Plant protein is at a premium these days, and lentils have these and lots more to fill your belly. You’ll get protein and fiber to protect against hunger pangs, as well as plenty of minerals and vitamins. They’re shown to reduce diabetes and cancers.
Lentils also tend to improve digestion and gut health by aiding the development of healthy gut bacteria, and you’re sure to feel energized by the power these easy grains contain. Boil lentils or throw them into a soup to make it easy to improve your health from top to bottom. They’re easy to add to other healthy foods, too!
Get to the Tip Top of Health With Tea
Green tea is known to contain catechin polyphenols, which help you feel energized, thus keeping your metabolism high. It also has a rock-bottom number of calories, vitamins A, E, C, and B, and caffeine for more energy.
This is the go-to drink for people who are looking to get or stay healthy, and there are plenty of different varieties to keep you interested. Brewing your own is known to be relaxing and calming, and the health benefits of this legendary drink bring it to the top of our list of healthy intake options.
Get Cheesy at Your College
Want an easy protein boost without having to choke down a ton of meat and get it from a surprisingly low-calorie source? Cottage cheese is full of the stuff since it's made directly from the cheese process. One hundred grams of cheese has an average of 11 grams of protein. Even better, almost every essential mineral (calcium, magnesium, etc.) is included in a serving. The only one it's missing is iron.
If you're after better heart and blood health, cottage cheese should be your first choice. The magnesium protects against spikes, and the protein regulates the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Pick up a tub of fat-free cottage cheese for one of the healthiest items ever.
The Queen of the Healthy Foods
This grain staple has risen in the ranks of famous healthy foods in recent years, and it's easy to see why. First, obviously, it's high in fiber. It's also surprisingly high in protein, and we all know how good protein is for maintaining your metabolism.
It includes lots of essential amino acids and has a low glycemic index – another food to add to your list if you're worried about your blood sugar. It's also gluten-free, so it's a great way for those who shy away from wheat products.
Wave Away the White Rice for Better Health
Rice is enjoyed by billions around the world every day, from the Americas to the far east of Asia. While white rice is the more traditional food, brown rice is a little bit healthier. First and foremost, it's full of fiber – almost all fiber, in fact. For information on why fiber is so good for you, see almost every other entry on this list.
It's a low glycemic index food, good for keeping your heart and blood in peak condition. Keep your body running warm and burning energy without getting worn out, and get a large amount of your daily magnesium at the same time with a serving of brown rice.