Get Healthy With These 12 Essential Foods:

Did you know that 90% of chicks would rather be with guys who are in shape and eat well? Well, okay…I made that up. But seriously, healthy dudes score more. I don’t know any of my lady friends who are swooning over the unhealthy ones. So what are you waiting for? The secret is in your pant-ry!

If you are a bachelor and have no idea how to find healthy alternatives or even if you are on a budget and think that eating fast food and cheap eats will pay off by saving you some cash—what about your life?

Here’s a brief break down on what to look for when creating a balanced whole-food meal. Whenever possible remember to: eat what’s in season, eat the colors of the rainbow, eat organic when possible, eat a balanced meal of protein, healthy fats, fruits and veggies.

Whole Grains. Look for gluten-free grains such as quinoa, brown rice and oats. Most people have some sort of gluten intolerance and don’t even know it. Try it eating gluten free for 30-60 days and see how you feel!

Fruits: It’s best to consume non-genetically modified low-glycemic fruits and sugars earlier in the day so that you are burning it off during the day. Whole fruits instead of juices are a great source of vitamin, minerals and the most important…fiber, which will help sustain your blood sugar so that you are not experiencing a sugar high and then crash. Your body and mind will thank you.

Protein: Getting enough protein is key to sustaining a healthy body weight and curbing carb craving and managing weight loss and weight gain. Incorporating complex carbohydrates. Meats and seafood are a great source of healthy fats vitamins, minerals your body needs to absorb and facilitate proper health function and hormone development. Eating canned beans or fish? Check to see that they are packaged in a BPA-free can. Eating fish? Check to see if it’s sustainable and wild-caught. Eating meats or poultry? Buy organic, grass-fed when possible.

Healthy Fats/Oils: Avoid trans fats at all times. Incorporate good fats like monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, even saturated fats like coconut oil, and get a good dose of your omega-3s. Healthy fats play a huge role in helping you manage your moods, stay on top of your mental game, fight fatigue, and even control your weight.
Okay you are shortly on your way to getting healthy, happy and hot chicks. Check out this list of healthy kitchen pantry, fridge and freezer basic essentials list. If you stick to keeping some of these items on hand you will never be left without a healthy quick-fix, on-the go-meal on a shoe-string budget!

1. Non-Dairy beverages: almond milk, coconut milk*

2. Oils/Healthy Fats: extra virgin olive oil ,coconut oil*, sesame oil*

3. Condiments: tamari, apple cider vinegar, almond butter, hummus*, tahini*

4. Natural sweeteners: honey, coconut sugar*, maple syrup*, stevia*

5. Spices: sea salt, black pepper, cinnamon

6. Grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice

7. Protein: eggs (pasture-raised), beans (canned or dried), canned sardines and tuna (bpa-free), fresh wild caught fish, grass-fed organic meats and poultry

8. Vegetables: avocados, asparagus kale, broccoli, spinach, celery, cabbage red bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, garlic,* onions,* ginger*

9. Complex Carbs: sweet potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, garlic,* onions,* ginger*

10. Herbs: basil*, cilantro*, parsley*

11. Low-Glycemic Fruits: green tipped bananas, organic green apples, citrus fruits, frozen organic strawberries and blueberries

12. Snack Foods: nuts, dried unsulfured, unsweetened apricots, prunes, goji berries*, (almonds, pistachios*, cashews*, sunflower seeds*)

* = upgrades to your basic shopping list 

 

BONUS TREAT! Okay so you’ve read this far and you are probably thinking what about the booze? If you are a beer connoisseur, it may bring a smile to your face to know that when consumed in moderation, bioactive compounds in beer can battle cancer and even boost your metabolism. Darker beers like IPAs and stouts have a major advantage compared to lighter beers.

IPA’s boast 80 times more hops than a mass-market lager beer. Hops are known to be cholesterol-lowering, cancer-fighting, and virus-killing compounds called polyphenols. Despite the myth that because dark beers are heavier, you’d be surprised to know that a stout actually has less calories! P.S. Most of the calories come from the alcohol content and whatever residual sugars may be left after fermentation. The advantage, darker brews are relatively low in alcohol, in calories and have a thick, creamy, smoky finish. Treat yourself to eating healthy by enjoy a tasty, healthy brew! Cheers!