Jillian’s Top Ten Power Foods & C=Cravings

Jillian’s Top Ten Power Foods
Master your metabolism with Jillian’s 10 power foods.

1. Blueberries: high in antioxidants, and help fight fat and reduce blood pressure.
2. Oats: high in antioxidants, and help fight fat and reduce blood pressure.
3. Yogurt: high in calcium, helps boost the immune system and maintains healthy bacteria and yeast levels in the body.
4. Black beans: high in protein and fiber and helps with weight loss.
5. Salmon: high in zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids and helps maintain heart health.
6. Spinach: high in vitamins B6 and B12 and helps maintain heart health.
7. Garlic: boosts the immune system and helps lower cholesterol levels.
8. Tomatoes: high in fiber, vitamin C and lycopene.
9. Broccoli: high in fiber and vitamins A and C.
10. Walnuts: high in protein, B vitamins, magnesium and fiber, and help lower cholesterol.

Everyday Health: C = Cravings
Sugar and salt are two of the most commonly craved foods. When a person eats foods that contain large amounts of sugar such as candy, cookies or cake, the body releases a surge of insulin to absorb it. Insulin stimulates the brain to release the neurotransmitter serotonin, which calms the mind and gives a person a feeling of well-being. However, excess serotonin causes the body to crave more sugar, thus creating a craving cycle.

The next time you want to reach for the cookie jar, try eating a strawberry dipped in dark chocolate instead. Other sugar fixes include apples dipped in almond butter and bananas rolled in honey and crushed almonds.

Most Americans consume more than twice the amount of the recommended daily intake of salt. Excess salt in your diet can lead to numerous health problems, such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Instead of diving into a bag of potato chips, try baked tortilla chips with guacamole, or “ants on a log,” a combination of celery, peanut butter and raisins.