Ok seriously, that storm was a disappointment. NYC didn’t get hit nearly as hard as we thought, but it was still a bit rough on Wednesday morning so I headed to the gym to run on the ‘mill and avoid falling on icy roads. Of course, I fell on the sidewalk on the way to the gym. Walking disaster I am…
But I got in 5.5 decent miles with a few pick-ups, and took advantage of being at the gym and did some lifting.
This morning I braved Central Park only to find the roads almost completely clear – nice work NYC Department of Sanitation! So I got a great 6.5 mile progression run in, with an average pace of about 8:38/mile.
It’s been a while since I talked about my favorite super foods, so as a follow-up to my breakfast post a while ago, I thought I’d share my favorite brunch/lunch superfoods.
I mentioned last week I’m a huge fan of sweet lunches and favor fruits, yogurt, peanut butter, oats and nuts. I’ll break it down…
Greek yogurt
I truly believe Greek yogurt is a MAY-Jah superfood and if you haven’t tried it, you absolutely must! Better than regular yogurt because it contains twice the amount of protein without any extra calories, it’s also thicker, creamier and more delicious. It can be eaten alone, with fruit and nuts (check out my favorite recipe with caramelized figs here), used as a veggie dip, a baking substitute… the possibilities are endless.
Like most yogurt, Greek yogurt also contains probiotics, or healthy bacteria, which help keep the gut healthy and promotes regularity (and who doesn’t need that??). There’s also some research out there that supports the possibility of probiotics enhancing the immune system, so if you’re prone to illness or haven’t caught your winter cold yet, stock up on some yogurt already!
Walnuts
An amazingly flavorful nut, and one of the most healthy thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids they pack. Like all nuts, walnuts do have a decent amount of fat (and therefore calories), but it’s mostly healthy, unsaturated fats. Enjoying them in moderation is a must in my book – I usually sprinkle them on top of yogurt or oats, or incorporate them into a homemade trail mix.
Nut butters
Speaking of nuts…
Ok, I seriously die for nut butters. Peanut butter is definitely my favorite, but sometimes it’s nice to spice it up with almond butter, or even cashew or sunflower nut butter. Luckily, nut butters are as healthy as they are tasty.
They provide tons of vitamins and minerals that can help the immune system and promote cardiovascular health, pack protein for muscle repair and healthy fats to help keep you full. Even though nut butters are calorie dense, I honestly believe they are one of the best foods out there to nourish your body and an important component to my daily diet.
Sprouted grain bread
Grains and seeds in these breads are sprouted before baking, which enhances vitamin content compared with normal breads. I think sprouted grain breads taste better too – grainy, nutty and crunchy. In fact, peanut butter and jam on sprouted grain bread are my favorite pre-race fuel 🙂
Dark chocolate
Do I really need to explain why dark chocolate is one of my superfoods? Besides being a delicious morsel sent from the heavens, they contain flavanoids, which help the body resist damage from free radicals and can even enhance vascular health by helping reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and improve blood flow.
Pears
I usually try to incorporate fruit into my lunch, and pears have been a recent favorite of mine because they’re so abundant at the supermarket. Pears are delicious and juicy, and just one small pear has around 5 grams of fiber and a great variety of vitamins. They’re great eaten raw or even grilled like I did a few weeks ago in this post.
Question: Is there anything you MUST have for lunch every day? I don’t know what I’d do without my Greek yog…
Peanut butter and banana sandwiches are a gift from God! That’s my go-to lunch. I wish I could keep more nuts around and eat them more often, but my boyfriends allergic. Thankfully peanuts are actually legumes (and he’s not allergic to the little buggers), so I can still nom on peanut butter daily!
i have greek yogurt with nut butter ALWAYS with my lunch!! i havent tried sprouted bread, but i rly wnt to find some!
I’m a greek yogurt girl as well. I have it everyday for lunch! Good for you for running this morning outside. I am going to trudge to the gym after work for a 4-5 mile run on the mill. I hope it;s not insanely crowded.
Hey! Great minds think alike! I just posted a superfoods posting as well! Annnnd I use the same theme for my blog! I used to love Fage yogurt but I think I am a little lactose 😦 so I had to stop
Never tried Greek yogurt, but am going to succumb to the hype and give it a try!
I love Greek yogurt but I wish it wasn’t so expensive. It’s a treat for me. I cannot say enough about the need for fruit at lunch! Lately I have been eating two small clementines. When I was in my twenties, I read that the most popular snack food for people over 50 was nuts. I remember thinking “Nuts? Why?” Well, I’m not there yet but suddenly as an almost 40’er, I CANNOT resist peanuts, walnuts, almonds — you name it! Almonds and a tablespoon of dried cherries on oatmeal is divine!
Ha, I love nuts! Yet another way I’m channeling my inner 89-year old self 🙂
Totally agree on greek yogurt, nut butters, and especially the CHOCOLATE 😉
Yum! Nut butters are my favorite food and I love them in a bowl of Greek yogurt with some granola.
I ran this morning in CP too and loved how clear the drive was! I just wish the snow would all melt so I could get back on the bridle.. 😦
I just had greek yogurt for breakfast this morning! I am addicted to it, so buy the 16 oz Trader Joes brand because its so much cheaper than Fage or Chobani. That way, I can justify the massive consumption. Have you tried TJ’s brand?
I like the TJs brand! Fage is my no. 1 though – creamier and so delicious.
I miss the bridle sooo much. NYC runners should start a pool and pay someone to plow and de-ice it!
hey girlie!!
I can’t believe all the crazy weather reports we are hearing about NY having! I wont dare tell you what my weather report looks like! 🙂
Greek Yogurt is absolute love…it doesn’t even bother my super lactose-ness!! I have to have pounds of fruits, and lot of veggies to dip in my favorite food SALSA!
I hope you have a great Thursday!
xoxo!
I eat greek yogurt every afternoon for a snack, most days for lunch I have applesauce. That goes back to like, elementary school ha.
Ooh just found your bloggie! Lovin it 🙂
I SO agree with most of these! Definitely nut butters and dark chocolate- two serious addictions of mine! 😛 I definitely must try some sprouted grain bread though…
a crisp apple. i do tend to have the same thing most days but breakfast is my one meal where i HAVE to have pb and a banana. or else my day is like derailed hahah
i love yogurt but have never had greek yogurt before *hides head in shame * oops
I’m jealous that they did such a good job with your roads! Ours were a sloppy mess until today!
You wouldn’t be disappointed if you had to shovel! I woke up, saw blue sky, and thanked the gods.
I usually just eat normal yogurt, but I am on a mission to tell the world about kale and collard greens. Literally, the cheapest, tastiest greens out there.
Same about Greek yogurt, but I really can’t stand Fage. I have tried it a couple of times, but it’s just too something for me. I love Oikos and Chobani Vanilla. The best! Agree about pears, and PB. PB&Co is my favorite brand. I love them! And I love that Ezekiel bread you have in Cinnamon Raisin.
I’ve never tried Eziekial Bread- I need to! Is it only at Whole Foods. So confession- I don’t like yogurt!! But I do buy Greek for my husband. Oh, and I’m not a huge Nut Butter girl either. I know craziness. I do use a scoop generally when I make Baked Oatmeal tho. Great job on your run!! I hope I can run outside tomorrow- sick of the treadmill!
Those are some of my must items, too! Have you tried the Ezekiel sprouted grain English muffins? I’m addicted.
When I used to work in an office I packed Greek yogurt every day! Now I usually have it for breakfast or dessert instead.
I love your stack of nut butters! I have those two from Peanut Butter & Co. in my pantry too! Just a spoon is all I need!