Antioxidants are vital to overall health, especially as we age: They may decrease the risk of infection, boost your immune system and help minimize damage to cells that may accelerate aging – especially important when you are in the summer sun!

The best sources – surprise! – are fresh, whole foods. Vegetables, fruits and nuts can provide many of the antioxidants your body needs, so add these foods to your grocery list!

1. Blackberries
2. Walnuts
3. Strawberries
4. Artichokes (try the Slow-Roasted Fish with Artichokes and Tomatoes recipe in my Plan!)
5. Kale
6. Goji Berries
7. Raspberries
8. Pecans
9. Blueberries
10. Red Cabbage

My Whole Body Plan includes hundreds of recipes that focus on whole, fresh foods like the ones mentioned above – start your free trial and check it out!

And if you need some tips on getting these and other antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, try these tips:

• When boiling pasta, toss in raw broccoli during the last few minutes, drain and serve with your favorite sauce.
• Order a side of steamed or sauteed veggies instead of fries with your sandwich or burger.
• Add lightly steamed fresh or frozen chopped veggies to soup.
• Stack kale, spinach leaves, red peppers, cucumbers or sprouts on sandwiches. My 10-Week Plan has delicious sandwich recipes including a Hummus and Veggie Sandwich and Open-Faced Eggplant Goat Cheese Sandwich – so delicious!
• Have portable fruits like oranges and apples on hand and take with you when on-the-go.
• Top a pizza or entree with chopped broccoli, carrots, zucchini and other veggies. (Depending on cooking time, you may want to lightly steam certain veggies first.)
• Try a veggie omelet as an alternative to scrambled or poached eggs.
• Add a handful of berries to your yogurt, cottage cheese or cereal.
• Snack on celery sticks spread with almond butter or hummus.

Let’s get fitter, together – inside and out,
Denise

Articles You Might Like

General

Balls and Bands

General

Walking Challenge Recipe: Green and Fruity Smoothie