You want to eat in a way that helps sustain your energy levels all through the day – but it is not always easy to do this with a busy schedule and a limited budget. What you need are some everyday storecupboard superfoods that help you live your life with energy. Nourishing, wholesome foods that enhance your well-being, which are also convenient for regular meals.
Here are some of our storecupboard favorites for energy and vitality. All these foods are nutrient-dense and they pack a big nutritional punch. Stock up on these everyday foods to keep you and your family in the best of health, whatever your schedule or budget.
1) Lentils
You can find lentils in easy-to-use pouches, ready-cooked, or dried. Lentils should form a basis of a healthy diet, especially if you do not eat meat. Lentils are full of iron. They are ideal when you do not eat meat. And because they are an important source of folate, lentils help to regulate your energy levels. Use lentils in salads or add them to soups for extra thickness and depth.
2) Turmeric
This gold-colored spice is absolutely bursting with health benefits. Add turmeric to rice, use it in egg dishes, or use it as a flavoring for roast vegetables. The compounds in turmeric help to ease stomach complaints and also assist in regenerating skin and collagen.
3) Coconut Milk
Love this in a Thai curry or to flavor a smoothie. Coconut milk is high in potassium, iron, and magnesium – in fact, it has more of these nutrients than cow’s milk. It contains saturated fat but this is used quickly by your body to give you rapid energy, and is not stored in the body as fat.
5) Apples
Apples are certainly a common fruit and many people overlook their health benefits in favor of more exotic choices. But it remains that apples are high in antioxidants and in fiber, which means they help your digestive system and assist in keeping your energy levels high throughout the day.
6) Lemons
You’ve just got to use lemons in your cooking and your everyday drinks – one lemon contains your whole vitamin C needs. Lemons help to maintain a healthy, vibrant immune system and also help to improve your digestion and even regulate your appetite.
7) Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain a lot of iron, which is also bioavailable – this means that the iron is easily used to form red blood cells. They are also high in fiber and full of nutrients that help the body convert sugar.
8) Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is not particularly flavorsome, but it does do wonders for your body and your health. It is a leafy green vegetable that helps to keep your blood sugar levels in check, as well as detoxifying your body and helping to boost your immune system.
9) Pomegranate
Historically, pomegranates were believed to actually help people live longer. While this may not be proven today, it is certain that pomegranates do help to lower your blood pressure and may even be able to help prevent the development of some cancers. Pomegranates are also good for reducing joint pain and giving more energy.
10) Blueberries
Blueberries are a true treat in the storecupboard. They are incredibly tasty yet also low in fat and full of important antioxidants. Blueberries have been shown to help prevent cellular damage from free radicals, and this helps to prevent cancer. Blueberries are one of the biggest providers of antioxidants among commonly consumed foods.
11) Cumin
The herb cumin is another storecupboard essential that can actually help you to lose weight. Cumin is also good for improving your iron intake, improving your digestion, helping to reduce insomnia, and giving your memory a boost. It is a common herb for making Mexican, Spanish, and Middle Eastern dishes.
12) Avocado
There is no way that you could leave avocado off a list of common foods with huge nutritional benefits. Avocados contain very high levels of potassium as well as good levels of fiber. They also have lots of healthy fats which assist in increasing your energy levels as well as minimalizing the risk of cancer and heart disease.
All these common foods can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. It is a good idea to use these foods as the basis for homemade dishes, using whole foods and without an excessive emphasis on packaged foods. A healthy diet includes superfoods like these ones, as well as staples like nuts, whole grains, low fat dairy, and colorful vegetables and fruits.
Try to buy organic where you can, and focus on seasonal produce so that you can be sure your ingredients are fresh and nutritious. It just goes to show that you do not have to spend a fortune on eating well. All these ingredients are commonly available and cost very little. Keep them in your storecupboard so you can cook nutritious meals for the family at a moment’s notice.
