9 Primal Foods You Aren’t Eating Enough Of
Do you feel like something has been missing from your diet lately? Sure, you have your cauliflower, eggs, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and half your fridge stuffed with fresh and lean protein like turkey and chicken. But still, there are many different foods that get over looked when it comes to a diet that will help you lose weight, gain muscle, increase energy levels, and allow you to feel healthier. In this article, I will show you these 9 primal foods, why they are beneficial to your body and mind, and some recipes to help you get started eating them.
- Chicken Liver. Why? It provides about a week’s worth of Vitamin A (retinol), copper, and contains the best source of B vitamins! However, this is something you should only a quarter to half pound of every few weeks as it SO high in A Vitamins. Chicken liver has less Vitamin A than beef or other animal livers, allowing you to eat it more often. It also has a generally mild taste and easier to consume than other livers. For the garlic lovers out there, here’s a chicken liver recipe that is utterly delicious: http://www.food.com/recipe/stolen-garlic-chicken-livers-110936
- Brazil Nuts. Why? Brazil nuts are made from Selenium rich soils, and Selenium can be your metabolism’s best friend! The antioxidants from Selenium assist in protecting your cells from damage and also reduces the risk of prostate and lung cancer. Don’t overdo it- just 1-3 a day will suffice.
- Sardines, Small mackerel, Smelts and Anchovies. Why? Basically, any small oily fish you can get your hands on. Because these fish are lower on the food chain, they spend less time in the water soaking up marine toxins and heavy metals. They are also a great source of omega-3s and are easy on the wallet! Check out this delicious sardine recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/sardines-on-toast-444213
- Blackstrap Molasses. Why? It comes from sugar cane, however, it has much more minerals and electrolytes than you’d think. It’s also valuable in potassium and magnesium. I suggest maybe one tablespoon each serving, and hey it also makes a great barbeque sauce: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/bills-blackstrap-barbecue-sauce
- Like Rachael Ray said it, EVOO. Why? That Extra Virgin Olive Oil is amazing for cooking because it is incredible stable in the presence of heat. (The right kind) is also primarily monounsaturated fat, instead of the worst: polyunsaturated fat. I don’t have a particular recipe for olive oil but the best thing it can be used for is sautéing and tossed over salads as dressing.
- Why? Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants, can improve blood pressure and arterial stiffness, increase anti-cancer natural killers within men and women, are an amazing anti-inflammatory, and not to mention, they are sweet and delicious! Toss them into your plain Greek yogurt, add some granola and natural honey and you’re set!
- Oysters and Mussels. Why? Oysters are bursting with Zinc, help produce testosterone, and can keep you incredible energized. Head over to Trader Joes to try out their smoked oysters or head to your local farmer’s market and get them fresh. Mussels also have a ton of antioxidants and contain Manganese, which is vital for your body in order to fight iron overload. Try out this healthy mussel recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/mussels-italiano-57542
- Sauerkraut and other fermented foods. Why? They are rich sources of millions of unknown strains of healthy probiotics, making them good for your digestive system and especially your gut. Fermented foods can be made at home, check out the DIY for fermented foods: http://www.organicauthority.com/10-fermented-foods-you-can-make-at-home
- Sea Vegetables. Why? They contain healthy iodine necessary for thyroid hormone production. Eating enough can help your gut efficiently digest the otherwise hardy seaweed polysaccharides. Don’t overdo it on this one, but it is something to definitely add to your diet. Things such as sea vegetables and kelp can be wonderful for your body.
