Susan's Top 5 Healthiest Food Picks

Earlier this year I posted a series of articles on my healthiest macro-nutrient picks (protein, carbs, fat, in addition to vegetables and fruit) I've decided to whittle that down to my Top 5 Healthiest Food Picks, based on each foods health promoting nutrients.

Take a look below and let me know how my picks compare to yours!

1. Wild Salmon - Low in mercury and an excellent source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, wild salmon is a very good source of concentrated protein and promotes both brain and heart health. My salmon of choice is wild sockeye salmon which can be eaten either canned or fresh (since starting a sodium restricted diet, I stick to the fresh variety).

2. Spinach - There is rarely a day that goes by where I don't eat spinach. It simply goes with everything! Spinach is an excellent source of plant-based iron, and rich in a host of phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants.

3. Raspberries - I'm a berry junkie in general, but raspberries definitely top the list and I eat a carton a day. Raspberries are exceptionally rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C and one cup contains a mere 60 calories.

4. Beans and Legumes - Ok, admittedly, I'm cheating here by using a very broad category definition, but with all the options - garbanzo beans, soybeans, kidney beans, et al, it would be impossible for me to narrow it down to one or two. Beans and legumes are incredibly versatile and I find myself using them in salads, soups, and side-dishes and even as a condiment (think hummus). And, beans are super convenient! Simply open a can (choose Eden brand NO-SALT added!) and you're good to go. Beans and legumes are nutrient-rich, plant-based protein that contains a host of vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients and fiber.

5. Mushrooms - This is a new addition to my "top" list (Mushrooms didn't make one of my top 5 vegetables list back in March). Shame on me! Over this summer I started cooking with a variety of mushrooms including crimini, mitake, chaterelle, oyster and shitake. Mushrooms have a long history as being used for medicinal purposes in the East, and for good reason (oyster mushrooms for example naturally contain the cholesterol drug lovastatin!). Research has shown that mushrooms contain powerful anti-oxidants and have anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties.

Train hard; stay strong.

Peace.

Susan