At The QHotels Collection Health Clubs, we’re full of the joys of spring. The long, light days are here to stay, the temperatures are slowly increasing, and we’re loving the abundance of healthy, natural superfoods which are making their way to supermarket shelves, farmers’ markets, and our restaurant menus.
We all know that a diet full of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and wholemeal carbohydrates, as well as a regular exercise schedule, is the best way to look and feel full of life and vitality. Great food and plenty of physical activity can improve our mood, energy levels, skin, and metabolism.
Let’s take a look at the best superfoods to eat at this time of year:
Enjoy an energy boost with a bowl of spinach. Full of iron, which is crucial in helping your red blood cells to fuel your muscles with oxygen, you’ll enjoy an energy boost after incorporating this tasty vegetable into your diet.
If you’re planning on working out, then we would recommend eating spinach for lunch as you’ll notice you’ll keep going for longer on the treadmill!
Improve your mood by eating asparagus. Asparagus is full of mood-boosting folate, which is a crucial B vitamin that could help to lift you out of a slump. Folate is important for the synthesis of serotonin, which makes us feel happy with life.
Have an avocado and enjoy a plentiful supply of important dietary fibre. Furthermore, avocados contain more potassium than bananas, and they are full of folic acid and vitamins C, E, B5 and K. Avocados may help to reduce levels of bad cholesterol as well as potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers, they boast anti-inflammatory properties, regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and will also help to smooth out your complexion.
Feel more streamlined by adding garlic to your meals. Garlic contains a compound called Allicin, which not only gives it its unique smell, but can also stimulate satiety in the brain which may consequently prevent you from overeating. Spring garlic is particularly tasty as it is milder and sweeter than its dried white cousin.
Eat salmon for better skin. Salmon is packed full of a fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA is a form of omega-3 which naturally helps to block the release of UV-induced enzymes responsible for diminishing collagen, and causing lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Salmon is an anti-wrinkle cream on a plate!
Strawberries may not have the smoothest skins, but they’ll do wonders for your complexion! Strawberries are full of antioxidants, which help your skin to repair following damage caused by UV, pollution, or environmental factors. Furthermore, they’re high in vitamin C, which helps to prevent dry skin and, consequently, fine lines and wrinkles.
Tuck in to a tomato and enjoy more than just taste. Tomatoes are full of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, folic acid, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and lycopene, which may play a role in helping to prevent against certain forms of cancer.