My Top 10 Daily Foods
Posted by Nathan Jackson on
Which foods should we be eating on a daily basis for maximum health? Here's what I try to stick with as much as possible. Keep in mind, your amounts will vary based on your Metabolic Type so listen to your body!
1. Water – Natural spring water, reverse osmosis water, distilled water for cleansing. Not technically a food, but we are mostly water so it counts!
2. Organic Food – Choose foods that are free of commercial fertilizers and pesticides that can contribute to the development of diseases, hormone imbalances, infertility, birth defects, nutrient-depleted soil, and environmental pollution. If you’re not sure how to go 100% organic start with organic eggs and produce. Implementing Organic Foods
3. Lacto-fermented Foods – Food that are naturally fermented that produce pro-biotics (good bacteria) and lactic acid. Nature’s answer for a healthy gut and immune system. Raw, cultured cheeses and yogurts, kombucha, and water based pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, and beet kvass are my favorite! For more info check out this previous post.
4. Raw Foods – Completely uncooked foods have the highest amounts of enzymes and nutrients and should be eaten daily. These are mostly your fruits and vegetables, though some should be cooked or sprouted for even more nutrition. More on Raw Foods.
5. Cooked Foods – Some foods are actually healthier and easier to digest in cooked form. Grains, legumes, and beans would be the best example. Even the cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale benefit from a light steaming before eating in order to break down their oxalic acid, which can block your absorption of calcium.
6. Sprouted and Pre-soaked Foods – Technically, these food are considered raw, but with one extra step. They have been encouraged to start the germination process through soaking and drying in order to get rid of their nutrient-blocking phytic acid and to active their enzymes for even more nutrient bio-availability. Pre-soaked nuts and seeds, sprouted grain bread, and broccoli sprouts are perfect examples. Sprouted Nuts
7. Fats – Fat and butters from grass-fed animals, coconut oil, unheated olive oil, and sprouted nuts and seeds. Worried about saturated fats. Read this!
8. Proteins – Depending on whether you’re a vegan/vegetarian or not there are plenty of options for quality proteins. Grass-fed, organic animal proteins, eggs, kale, pre-soaked beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Here's a guide to understanding meat labels in the grocer store! Meat labels
9. Vegetables and Fruit – Make sure you have more vegetables than fruits as a general rule as the extra sugar from the fruits can catch up to some and contribute to weight gain, lack of energy, and fungal issues.
10. Spices – Nature’s flavor and medicine with your food! Choose organic spices and unprocessed salts. My favorites are turmeric, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne, pepper, and pink Himalayan salt.