Foodie Friday

I have always been obsessed with food!

The older I've got, the more I've realized I need to become obsessed with healthy foods rather then just the junk :-\

I originally became a vegetarian at 14 years of age but ate meat again a few years later.  Too much research and discussion regarding meat processing has lead me to the decision to return to a meat free diet. I am not a strict vegetarian because I do love the occasional marshmallow and sometimes a gummy vitamin here or there (which contains gelatin; reduction of collagen from bones and even skin, not just cows but pigs and other animals too. Isn't it a sin to eat the skin of a pig according to the bible? hmm.) and I also eat candy sometimes that has confectioner's glaze or glazed fruit (which contains lac resin; a mixture with ground lac bug cocoons ...that was used by ancient Egyptians to preserve their foods).

It is amazing what eating different fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds can do for you.

There is a diet that is becoming more popular which focuses on anti-inflammatory properties!
Who doesn't want that!?


Some of the main foods recommended are:

Almonds - monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, & protein

Avocados - monounsaturated fats, magnesium, fiber, potassium, low sodium, vitamins A, C, E, & B complex

Beans (Navy, kidney, pinto & black) - protein, minerals, fiber, vitamin B complex & K

Broccoli - antioxidants, vitamin A & C, potassium, & calcium

Blueberries - antioxidant, fiber, vitamin C & E

Carrots - beta-carotene, vitamin A, & fiber

Cauliflower - fiber, manganese, copper, iron, calcium, potassium, vitamins B complex, C & K

Kale - vitamins A, C & K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, & low sodium

Olive oil - monounsaturated fats & antioxidants

Oranges - vitamin C, potassium, fiber, calcium & folate

Salmon - omega-3 fatty acids & antioxidant

Spinach - vitamin A & K, beta-carotene, iron, & folate

Strawberries - fiber & necessary vitamins and minerals for normal body function

Sweet potatoes - vitamin A, B Complex, C, & K, beta-carotene, potassium, & fiber

Swiss chard - antioxidants & vitamins A & K

Walnuts - protein, vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, & omega-3 fatty acids