I love food. I love to eat. I love to host parties and cook. And most importantly, did I say that I LOVE TO EAT?! Growing up, I’ve always had the appetite of a grizzly bear (…and now I realize where my daughter Zoe gets it, HAHA), & I think deep down, my love for food helped guide me to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Side note… it also helped me lock down my husband back in high school because as he always reminds me, “I got my money’s worth!” #cleanplateclub #whatareleftovers
But back to loving food… since February is the month of LOVE, I wanted to share with you my top 4 favorite foods that I need to incorporate on the regular & why you should too!
SALMON
Salmon is hands-down my favorite food. I never ate it growing up, but in my adult life, I’ve learned to love it. It is an easy protein to use for meal prepping several lunches ahead of time. It is great baked, but amazing in a cast-iron skillet or on the grill. Paired with veggies or a big salad plus brown rice or a sweet potato makes for the perfect meal. It is high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (… those essential fats you NEED to get from your diet), and loaded with vitamins and minerals. This fish is great to include 2-3 times per week to help boost heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
EGGS
Eggs definitely fall into the “good things come in small packages” category. They are one of the most inexpensive, high-quality proteins out there. At 6 grams of protein per egg, plus heart-healthy fats, why aren’t you eating eggs?! Unlike salmon, I did grow up eating scrambled eggs, and I was one of those kids that brought egg salad sandwiches from home for lunch. Currently, my husband and I eat an over-easy egg on a whole wheat bagel with avocado (& sometimes smoked salmon) at least 2 times per week for lunch or dinner. So for all you people that don’t have time to cook… this takes less time than running through a drive-thru!
AVOCADO
Avocados are one of the best fruits to consume daily because they are nutrient-rich, high in those omega-3 fatty acids, and super simple to eat. This popular healthy fat is used in a lot of healthy recipes as a “creamy” replacement, topping, or side item. Need new ways to incorporate it? … try blending it into a smoothie, stirring it into your casseroles or soups, spreading it onto toast, or slicing it up in your salads. Or, scoop it out of its skin and eat it off the spoon!
GREEK YOGURT
Greek yogurt is a treat I like to have every night. As a big ice cream lover, I try not to consume ice cream daily. Instead, I make Greek yogurt parfaits to satisfy my fix. I enjoy the Oikos Triple Zero brand… usually vanilla, and then top it with some crushed cereal (like Fiber One original), dry oats, crushed walnuts, coconut, chopped or frozen fruit, and dark chocolate chips. This parfait brings the perfect pairing of flavors plus the Greek yogurt gets you that good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics to help with gut health.
Now after all that food talk, I’m hungry! What foods do you LOVE?!
Looking for personalized nutrition help? Need recipe ideas? Schedule your complimentary Discovery Call today by clicking HERE. Reach out to info@nicoleolenrdn.com with any questions!
