Got Superfoods? Personal Trainer Discusses His!

You've probably seen mention of 'Superfoods' out there in the media. They are supposed to be crammed full of goodness in one form or another.

There are quite a few to consider trying depending on what you like and what your budget stretches to!

I've tried a few things over the years. Much like supplements, i think you have to have the basics of a good diet in place before you should really bother with much else.

Here are some of the things i include that i consider to provide added benefits.

Nuts and seeds

These provide a source of essential fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals. A regular consumption has been linked to a significant reduction in risk of certain cancers.

Green Tea

Good source of antioxidants. May enhance metabolism. Reduces certain stress markers throughout day and post exercise. Caffeine consumption does promote fat loss, although i'm sure some people feel better without it. Not all brands are alike - i prefer Hampstead Single Estate.

White tea may be even better, i just haven't researched it yet - and it is quite a bit more expensive. Black tea still has some benefits too.

Coloured Vegetables

Hardly an exciting choice but one that should be a foundation of your diet. All the goodness balanced and packaged as nature intended.

Organic, Free Range Eggs and Meat

Some people will say there is no evidence this is better for you. I still believe (and different research comes out all the time) that these choices will be higher in protein, lower in fat, and higher in essential fats. Same for fish like salmon.

Dark Chocolate

Higher in antioxidants, minerals, and lower in sugar. And hey it's chocolate! High cocoa % chocolate that i have still found very (too) edible is available from Montezuma's and Infinity Foods own brand amongst others. Some raw chocolate is also a rare treat!

Red Wine

Not a daily consumption personally but in moderation i think that would be fine. I believe any alcohol in moderation has certain benefits in terms of reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy flexible arteries. Red wine goes further in it's benefits though.

Seagreens - Seaweed Food Supplement

This is what i use instead of a multi-vitamin / mineral at the moment. It seems to contain all the stuff needed. Isolated supplements like individual vitamins don't always seem to have the positive effect expected.

Remember the trial of vitamin e with smokers that had to be stopped because those taking it started dying more than those that weren't? Recently there was concern over taking only antioxidant supplements, although as always you have to make sure the studies have been done properly.

That's one reason i opt for this dried whole food so that the only response should be positive!

Not to say that there are no isolated substances that are not beneficial.

Enjoy your food choices - 'Super' or otherwise!

We're enjoying a great Bootcamp currently - middle of week 2.

My Circuits and Boxercise classes at Olympos Burgess Hill have been madly busy recently - don't miss out if you are in the area!

Steve
www.sussexbootcamps.co.uk
www.everydayathletes.co.uk