Breathe Magazine

We have all heard about “super foods”, foods that offer nutritional benefits far beyond the carbohydrates, fat and protein they provide your body. The list often includes things like berries, nuts, salmon, sweet potatoes and other foods often considered jam packed with vitamins.

I do enjoy all the foods on most “super food” lists (here is a list from WebMD), but have come to discover my own personal list of super foods. The super foods on my list are my healthy go-to foods that make me feel great and fuel me well. And my favorites are often easy to incorporate in my meals.  Easy preparation or accessibility is key to keeping my healthy diet on track!

One of my favorite super foods is nuts – in the form of peanut butter or almond butter. I don’t enjoy eating a handful of peanuts or almonds, but give me nut butter and it’s over! It’s funny because most of us have eaten this food since we were kids. But, now I don’t relegate it to PB&J sandwiches. I found all kinds of ways to use this super food work for me. I add it to oat bran for breakfast, whole grain crackers for a snack and even use it to make peanut sauce noodles for dinner.

The point is, when I read a list that tells me nuts are healthy and I should eat them, the message gets a little lost on me. The idea of just eating plain nuts doesn’t sound very appetizing, but peanut butter slathered on a whole wheat pita sounds divine!

When you read lists of super foods it’s important to also think about how you would actually enjoy to eat them. No matter how much an article claims one food may change your life, it won’t work if you don’t eat it. Find your super foods and enjoy!