In the Spa & Wellness industry many of us work long days giving massages, beauty treatments and consultations. The physical effort that we apply in our everyday job can easily lead to both physical and psychological fatigue. I decided to look for the superfoods / wellness foods that everyone talks about nowadays, and try them out, to see which ones I would find helpful to keep myself healthy on all levels. Because apart from taking care of ourselves on the outside (stretching, receiving massages, etc) we need to pay attention to the quality of the foods we consume. Below I list some of the wellness foods I just love because they are delicious, easy to find, and most importantly, they really deserve the “super” status!
My Wellness Foods:
BROCCOLI. Is packed with vitamins (A, C, K), natural fiber as well as sulforaphane, and to name just a few of its health benefits; improves skin and bone health, digestion, regulates the immune system, and even prevents cancer. Personally I am not such a fan of eating it steamed as a side dish, but I find it delicious in Woks for example.
SPINACH. Popeyes favourite food is delicious as well as super beneficial on many levels. It contains many crucial vitamins and minerals (iron, potassium, magnesium), and only to name a few of its many health benefits here; helps in managing diabetes, prevents cancer, lowers blood pressure, improves digestion, etc. I always buy it fresh and I love eating it raw in salads, as well as sauteed with other vegetables and some olive oil.
QUINOA. This grain has not decreased in popularity over the years, as it started out as “the mother of all grains” to the Incas, and now has become the mother of all wellness foods! I eat it often because of its high quality protein, delicious taste, its easy to prepare, and it combines well with nearly everything. Its intake is believed to reduce cardiovascular deseases, high blood pressure, colon cáncer, obesity, etc.
WALNUTS. I guess most of us know that walnuts contain a fair amount of good proteins as well as the famous omega-3 fatty acids. They give an energy boost, care for our heart health, can reduce obesity, among many other benefits…I usually eat them as snacks throughout my work day, and also chop a few walnuts on my yogurt at breakfast. Delicious!
SALMON. Is a really great source for proteins, healthy omega-3 fats, as well as important minerals. It is said to decrease obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and to improve healthy colesterol levels. I eat it about twice a week, usually steam cooked and with some vegetables on the side.
EGGS: I guess all Spanish people would include eggs on this list! We use them in every possible shape and form and in combination with just about everything. Personally I love fried eggs, but I also like to prepare a traditional Spanish omelette; tortilla de patata (eggs with potatos). Eggs are a great source of proteins, omega-3 fats, as well as several key vitamins and minerals, and are said to improve the immune system, brain functioning, bone health, weight loss and maintenance, etc.
Have any other recommendations? Please do share them so all our readers, including myself, can try it out!
Wishing you a meaningful day ahead,
César Tejedor