Eating foods that are good for our bodies and that are good for the planet doesn’t have to be an either/or scenario! We all want to improve our health and eat foods that make us feel our best. We also want to eat foods that are sustainable and promote Earth’s health. The good news is that MANY foods make both of those lists! Here are 10 superfoods that are both healthy for you and sustainable…now, that’s some EcoForward Eating!
Eating foods that are good for our bodies and that are good for the planet doesn’t have to be an either/or scenario!
1. Kale
To put it simply, kale is amazing. It is full of vitamins (A, K, B6, and C) and minerals (calcium, potassium, manganese, and copper), and is also low in calories and carbohydrates, making it both diabetes-friendly and great for promoting weight loss. The fact that it is also environmentally-friendly makes kale the ultimate no-brainer!
2. Quinoa
Quinoa is packed with iron, fiber, and protein. It has vitamins like thiamin and B6, and because of its high fiber content, it helps maintain good blood sugar content. In short, it is a great food for you and for the environment! Try doing a quinoa swap for rice in a favorite recipe and seeing what this superfood can do for you!
3. Wild Rice
As compared to other forms of rice, wild rice is relatively low in calories. It also has a perfect balance of fiber and protein and is plentiful in manganese, which helps build healthy mitochondria (the powerhouse of your cells). All of that and sustainable too? Yep. Make this one a pantry staple!
4. Black Beans
Black beans are a wonderful source of antioxidants, fiber and protein. They also have an abundance of phytochemicals that protect your cells from damage. Because of these qualities, black beans can help maintain a healthy weight, manage diabetes, prevent both cancer and heart disease, and aid in healthy digestion. The question isn’t whether we should eat black beans but how we can live without them!
5. Lentils
Lentils are another wonderful source of plant-based fiber and protein. In addition, lentils provide us B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Eat this superfood and you’ll feel like you have superpowers!
6. Spinach
Hold onto your apron, because you’re about to be blown out of the kitchen by the sheer power of spinach! Popeye was absolutely right about this one. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, C, and of folate. It’s also a good source of manganese, magnesium, iron, and B2. Save the planet and feel amazing with this one!
7. Bok Choy
Bok choy contains folate, potassium, and vitamins C and B6. It has no cholesterol and can help in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and inflammation. It’s a healing and preventative food that will delight your tastebuds!
8. Walnuts
Not all nuts were created equal. Some varieties lack sustainability but that is not true of walnuts. They are a nut for the health of the planet and for yours as well. Walnuts contain calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and folate. They have protein and healthy fats, can help to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, prevent heart disease, and aid in digestion. How can something so delicious be so good for you? I don’t know, but I would suggest we question less and eat more!
9. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds contain lignans and phytosterols to help lower cholesterol. They are also a good source of fiber and can promote healthy bone and blood cell development. In addition, they contain copper, manganese, magnesium, and calcium which together also support bone health. Get a dose of all of that and some healthy fats too.
10. Sweet Potatoes
Perhaps we saved the best for last! Because of their high fiber, protein, and mineral content, sweet potatoes have amazing abilities to promote gut health, fight cancer, support vision and brain function, and aid your immune system. These super roots back a super punch!