Healthy Food Choices For Your Shopping Trolley

CHICKEN

It may be obvious but packed full of protein Chicken is a must for a healthy meal! Chicken can be made with absolutely anything and buying Chicken in bulk can work out very cheap on your bank account helping you save them vital pennies! Look towards Chicken breasts as a healthy and fairly cheap option, try removing the skin to lower the fat content to give you an even healthier meal.

SWEET POTATO

All the rage at the moment, Sweet potatoes can be made into chips, wedges and mash offering a healthier alternative to normal starchy potatoes. A sweet potato is great way to get a slow release of energy throughout your day whilst keeping the hunger at bay being rich in fibre. This saves you money as you no longer find yourself buying sugary snacks to fulfil the mid-afternoon cravings that eventually lead to people gaining weight. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of vitamin C which can also help keep those nasty colds and viruses at bay so stock up this Winter on Sweet Potatoes.

BANANAS

Ok so we’re massive fans of Bananas here in Westport Credit Union!! What’s not to like? Rich in potassium an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure, heart health and bone strength. Bananas are a perfect snack during the day to increase your energy levels, and are great pre-and post-workout snacks too! Enjoy as part of a healthy breakfast, try slicing bananas to accompany some pancakes or oatmeal. Top tip – eat a banana after a long night out to help cure your hangover by revitalising your glycogen stores.

BROCCOLII

The green that most of us seem too except. High in Vitamin K which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower. Broccoli is also high in compounds called glucosinolates, and it can slow the breakdown of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which we need for the central nervous system to perform properly and to keep our brains and our memories sharp. FYI- Low levels of acetylcholine are associated with Alzheimer’s.

AVOCADOS

Eating avocados is almost as good as eating blueberries for promoting brain health. The avocado is a fatty fruit, but its fats are monounsaturated which contributes to healthy blood flow. Healthy blood flow means a healthy brain. Also by introducing avocados into your diet, your half way there to been the coolest hipster in your neighbourhood!! For the gentlemen out there don’t forget about the beard also.

TOMATOES

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, is thought to help protect against the free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s. For extra taste and to further enhance your healthy lifestyle why not grow your own tomatoes in a polytunnel.

EGGS

Instead of that greasy fry up which we all love let’s be honest, why not try your hand at making eggs! Poached eggs on wholemeal toast are a great healthy alternative, high in protein and low in calories, a perfect way to start your day off. Have some left over veg from the dinner the night before? Throw it in to make a nice healthy omelette. Eggs are very versatile and can be eaten any time of the day. Too easy!!

QUINOA

Quinoa is high in protein, gluten free and an alternative to rice and pasta. Quinoa can now be found in the majority of supermarkets and it is cheap and easy to prepare. In short, this superfood is one of the healthiest around, a low GI gives you a slow release of energy which aids with boosting the metabolism.

SALMON

Full of DHA Salmon is brain food and can help improve your memory which will help in your college lectures, daily work. Salmon is great to have with veg as a low carbohydrate option or in a stir-fry accompanied with some wholemeal noodles. Salmon is rich in Omega 3’s and protein to help with recovery along with Vitamins A and D. YUM!!

WATER

Yes, this isn’t a food, but water is just, as if not more important than all of the above. Drinking at least 2 litres per day will keep you hydrated and feeling fuller for longer, stopping you from over indulging throughout the day.

DARK CHOCOLATE

We’ve saved the best till last… Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties, which will help to protect your brain from the damaging effects of free radicals. It also contains natural stimulants, including caffeine, which enhances focus and concentration, as well as stimulating mood improving endorphins. Unfortunately, though, this food is only to be consumed in moderation as more is not better! Why Why Why!!! We say…………….

While having a healthy diet is important, its worth remembering that having a healthy finiancial lifestyle is also just as important. If you would like to talk to Westport Credit Union about how we can help you with this, why not pop into any of our branches in Westport, Newport & Louisburgh.

Or alternativly please call 098 25614.