1. Whole Organic or Free Range Eggs
Egg are a budget-friendly and high-quality source of protein, vitamins and choline, which boosts brain health. One whole large egg has close to 7 g of high-quality protein and is ultra-versatile. We suggest purchasing organic or free-range eggs and cooking them up for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. One of our favorite strength-boosting breakfasts? One hard-boiled egg and one sliced avocado (with a sprinkle of flaked sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper).Â
2. Salmon
Salmon is by far one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3’s are necessary for both healthy brain power and a healthy nervous system. A typical serving of wild salmon boasts a whopping 20 g of high-quality protein and is rich in vitamin B12 and D and selenium. An added bonus? The fatty acids found in salmon may help reduce the risk of depression and may help ward off cognitive decline as we age. And, making salmon is a cinch. Simply preheat your oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place salmon fillets, skin side down, on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, lemon zest and freshly chopped herbs. Roast for 20-30 minutes, until salmon is opaque and cooked through (it will easily flake). Serve with cooked quinoa and steam veggies or a large kale salad for a flavor-packed and strength-boosting dinner.
3. Raw Nuts & Seeds
Raw nuts and seeds are energy powerhouses. They contain high levels of monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, fiber, protein and vitamins including magnesium, zinc and potassium. They are serious power-houses when it comes to building strength in your body. Abundant in healthy fats and protein, a handful of raw almonds, cashews or walnuts, or a sprinkle of flax, chia, or hemp seeds over your morning oatmeal or smoothie-bowl, will help maintain energy levels throughout the day and give you an energy boost if your heading to spin or yoga class.
4. Spinach & Greens
Spinach is a superfood unlike many others. This super leafy green is an excellent source of magnesium. Additionally, iron-rich dark leafy greens–including spinach–are essential for bone health, they help give you smooth skin and shiny hair and they provide a good dose of protein. Spinach is also a highly alkaline food.Â
5. High Quality Red Meat
Red meat has gotten a bad rap in recent years. Due in part to the rise in popularity of macro and vegan-style diets, many people believe that in order to be healthy, we must steer clear of red meat. And, while we certainly agree with the health benefits of vegan and macro diets and the suggestion to eat less red meat overall, we also believe that red meat (especially high quality, organic and grass fed beef) absolutely has its benefits and can have a place in a healthy diet. It’s packed with iron, protein and Vitamin B12 which helps build our muscles. We suggest limiting your red meat consumption to 1-2x/week.
7. Full-Fat Natural Yogurt
Yogurt (we’re talking about the full-fat, Greek-style, all natural, low-sugar variety, NOT the aspartame/sugar-loaded fruit varieties here) is loaded with calcium, a bone-building mineral. Calcium also helps boost our inner body strength by helping us get a restful sleep because it helps the body to use the tryptophan found in dairy to help trigger sleep. Tryptophan is important to the production of serotonin, which in turn is important to the production of melatonin. Yogurt also contains gut-friendly bacteria that help improve your gastrointestinal health and protect our immune system.