Here we go with the first episode of GB Life TV…In this first episode I show you 13 of the food essentials that you should be buying and why they are a healthy choice. On top of this selection fresh vegetables and organic meat are also a must. I’m crazy about organic food and will always go out of my way to buy the best food I can. You are what you eat so I wanna be made out of the best stuff
Here are the 13 Food Essentials mentioned in this video:
1. Water
We all know the importance of drinking water. Most people do not drink enough. 2 litres per day is a good guide. If you are very active, are in a hot environment or larger than average then you will need to drink more. Glass bottled mineral water is best, followed by plastic bottled mineral water, then filtered water and finally tap water. Carry water with you everywhere. If you have the choice between tap water and no water drink from the tap
2. Sleepy Time Herbal Tea
Caffeine is a stimulant and has an impact on the nervous system. If you feel anxious or tired then caffeine is not the drink for you. Too much caffeine will eventually make you more tired by fatiguing your adrenal glands. There is only so many times your body can respond to a stress stimulus like caffeine without getting worn out. There are lots of caffeine free alternatives out there. You can try: Nettle, Camomile, Chicory. I like green tea but some is high in stimulants so beware!
3. Rainbow Quinoa
Great as a source of your essential amino acids and crucial if you are vegetarian. Originating from South America and used by the Incas as a source of protein. Easy to cook and very tasty as an alternative to rice and wheat based foods.
4. Rolled Oats
I eat rolled oats occasionally for breakfast as porridge. I like to mix it with butter and a good sea salt. Not everyone is great with Oats. Some can have allergic reactions to them just like gluten. Many oats are manufactured in the same factories as wheat and so fall foul to cross contamination. Be vigilant and get gluten free oats. To better digest oats I recommend you soak them in water overnight. Also great for making flapjacks!
5. Kefir
A great source of probiotics, Kefir is a fermented milk drink made from Kefir grains. Kefir is rich in enzymes and is an excellent food for promoted good gut bacteria. I like to take Kefir early in the morning on an empty stomach or late at night so it can sit in my gut undisturbed. Kefir can also be tolerated by people who are lactose intolerant.
6. Organic Peanut butter
Great as a snack and one of those foods that you cannot eats lots of due to the high protein and fat content. Most peanut butters are high in sugar and refined salt so go for an organic brand that has no additives. Sea salt is OK. A good spoonful of peanut butter now and again will not hurt you and is better than snacking on refined chocolate bars or crisps.
7. Puy Lentils
I love lentils. They are filling, are high in fibre for your digestive system and also release energy slowly so they don’t spike your sugar levels. There are lots of varieties of lentils on the market, experiment and see what you like the best. To better digest lentils I recommend you soak them over night.
8. Virgin Coconut Oil
A stable saturated fat that is great at higher temperatures. I love roast potatoes cooked in Coconut Oil. Also an excellent make up remove and moisturiser if you don’t want to bathe your skin in chemicals.
9. Green Olives
Great as snack, try all the different varieties and add them to your salads. Watch out for additives in prepackage olives. Olives packed in Olive oil are best.
10. Coconut Milk
Another staple that is always in our food cupboard. Great for making curries, although a saturated fat it comes from a natural source (coconuts). Watch out for additives in tinned coconut milk. Go for organic if you can.
11. Organic Sauerkraut
Another food packed full of natural digestive enzymes. So great for gut. I like to eat Sauerkraut with salads or as a side to any meal. Again watch out for additives, you are looking for just cabbage, sea salt and sometimes water. Nothing else!
12. Comte Cheese
I love cheese but it doesn’t agree with everyone. If you are gluten intolerant then you will most probably suffer from dairy intolerance’s too! If you can tolerate dairy then unpasteurised cheese is a great choice. Avoid pasteurised cheese as it has been denatured and killed by the excess temperatures during processing. Also many processed cheese contain high amounts of processed salt and well as colouring. Go organic and go unpasteurised. Goats cheese is especially good!
13. Organic Eggs
If you can tolerate eggs, many can’t see above, then eggs are an excellent complete food. Poach, fry in butter, boil, scramble, its your choice. A great start to the day for breakfast or great as a snack hard boiled. Don’t be afraid of the yolk, that is the best part and natures gold!
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