Veggieist Recommends SuperFoods RX

You are what you eat, so the saying goes. Well, this one old adage certainly rings true. Ask a vegan/vegetarian why they keep their diet, and health will be near, if not at, the top if their reasons. Putting healthy vitamin-rich whole foods into your body makes you feel better, gives you more energy, and helps to prevent against both short and long-term illness.

In his book SuperFoods RX, Dr. Spencer Pratt talks about the whole foods, which he dubs 'super' that are so packed with vitamins and nutrients that they can dramatically improve our health. The foods mentioned are: Apples, Avocados, Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Oats, Onions, Oranges, Pomegranates, Pumpkin, Soy, Spinach, Tea, Tomatoes, & Walnuts (Disclosure - only the vegan super foods are listed here. For the full list please see the SuperFoods website). These foods listed have high rates of antioxidants and other key nutrients that are proven to improve your over-all health and well-being. This Bostonist became vegan after starting with the SuperFoods; after trying to consume as many a day as possible she found that there wasn't much room left, or need for, animal products.

We mention this book because it truly is a great place to start if you're looking to improve your eating habits. Veggieist appreciates that adopting a vegan or vegetarian lifestayle is a large commitment that may too much for everyone. The good news is that the super foods are readily available, affordable, and delicious. We can all find ways to sneak in them into our diet. Like iceberg lettuce in your salads? Try swapping it for baby spinach. Love sandwiches for lunch? Pile it high with tomatoes and onions. Looking for a mid-afternoon snack? Grab an orange or a handful of walnuts. One you get on a roll, you'll find its even fun to see how well you can integrate more healthful foods into your daily eating habits.

Every little bit helps, and every time you choose an apple or avocado over a bag of chemically processed potato chips or candy your body will most certainly thank you!