Start Eating These Foods Today

By Hend Seif El Din

Seaweed

Seaweeds are loaded with calcium and potassium. Note that the latter is excellent–or almost essential–when it comes to maintaining healthy blood-pressure levels. Some believe that limiting sodium is the only way to go when it comes to blood-pressure regulation, but another way to help fix the problem is by incorporating more potassium into your diet. Indulge in sushi or grind seaweed sheets and use the powder as a seasoning on your salads and main dishes.

Scallops

Believe it or not, scallops are more than 80% protein, and they’re low in calories (assuming you don’t overindulge of course, remember, moderation is always key).

Lentils

Lentils are filled with fiber, which means they’re incredibly filling. Also, colored lentils have disease-fighting antioxidants in their hulls! In other words, start using lentils as a substitute for grains, and/or indulge in lentil soup.

Celery

For starters, celery reduces blood pressure, so start munching on a few sticks per day. Other than that, celery is also very filling, and yet barely has any calories! Try incorporating this veggie into your salads or eat it as a snack between meals. While you’re at it, why not roast them in the oven along with your favorite type of meat?

Almonds

Almonds help build muscle and fight food cravings, but do eat them with their skins. Furthermore, they’re packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, which help save your muscles from depletion, while keeping you full at the same time. Feel free to eat two handfuls of almonds a day, which will help suppress your appetite, making them an ideal snack.

Broccoli

Not only is this green veggie high in fiber, it contains more minerals and vitamins than almost any other food! I am aware that for some reason, broccoli isn’t everyone’s favorite, but if you don’t love the veggie, consider pureeing it, or mixing it with various herbs and spices.

Olive Oil

Other than controlling food cravings, olive oil helps you burn fat and aids with keeping your cholesterol under control. And that’s not all! Olive oil has been shown to reduce blood pressure and reduce the growth of certain malignant tumors. Time to ditch the sunflower oil, butter, and ghee, and opt for this power ingredient instead.

Oatmeal

Start your day off with a bowl of unsweetened oatmeal. This will help you stay lean, as well as lower your risk of heart disease. The soluble fiber in the oatmeal will help keep you full for longer, lower your blood cholesterol, and stabilize your blood sugar.