5healthfoodSummer is next to our door, and clean eating is a must, if you want to have a healthy body. Clean eating basically means to avoid pre-packaged and processed foods and return to basics – fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains *(preferably organic) and lean protein from fish.

Let’s start with vegetables. Dark green veggies such as broccoli, spinach and kale are high in folates – a cardiovascular booster – and low in carbohydrates.

Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and can be mixed with fresh basil in a salad or eaten alone as a snack. Try adding some roasted garlic to the mix. Garlic is a strong anti-oxidant that boosts the immune system, increases blood flow and lowers cholesterol.

5freshbFor fruits try pomegranates which are in season during the winter months in more northern regions. They are also high in vitamin C, anti-oxidants and reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Also abundant in winter are citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines and limes. All three are immune boosters due to their high levels of vitamin C.

Protein choices should focus on lean, low-fat meats such as chicken or turkey breast or fresh fish such as salmon. Turkey or chicken breast provides 20 grams of protein per three once serving while salmon, wild sourced is healthier than farmed, is high in omega 3 fatty acids.

Finally there are the grains. Whole wheat bread, pita, pasta and whole wheat crackers are full of complex carbohydrates and fibre.