I used to hate herbal tea; I thought it was boring and bitter. And it took me a while to find ones that I liked. But when it comes down to it, so much of the holistic health world we see is rooted in teas, tonics, herbal blends and powders. Which are convenient, and you can learn more about some teas we like here, but they don’t suit everyone. We don’t all like teas and herbal powders, so how can we incorporate a more holistic diet into our lifestyles, without compromising on our taste?
Superfoods
And no, I don’t just mean spinach and kale. There are loads of superfoods out there to give you flavour and culinary variety:
- Berries: Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries. Whichever are in season are so easy to incorporate into your diet. A handful with some yoghurt, some oats, blended into smoothies or just snatch a bunch from the fridge and eat ‘em there and then. Put them on pancakes, live a little.
- Eggs: Despite the worry of high cholesterol, eggs are super beneficial. Loaded with high-quality protein, they are also sources of Vitamins A and B, iron, selenium, phosphorus and choline, as well as antioxidants. Regular eating will not increase your risks of heart disease or diabetes, according to this research.
- Nuts and seeds: Try almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, cashews, brazil nuts or chia seeds. And others, that I haven’t bothered to list. Although being somewhat high in calories, nuts and seeds are also great sources of fibre and protein. They’re also loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Legumes: Legumes are plant foods such as lentils, peas or peanuts. They are stuffed full of minerals and nutrients, including, but not limited to, Vitamin B, protein and fibre. They are good for promoting healthy weight management and reduced blood pressure.
- Garlic: The easiest one, I think to add to your diet. As well as being extremely tasty (garlic bread, anyone?), garlic is also a good source of Vitamin C, magnesium and fibre. It can help support your immune system and reduce risks of heart disease.
- Ginger: I believe we have mentioned ginger before. As well as being a good thing to ease nausea and pain, ginger can help reduce risks of heart disease and dementia. If you’re not a fan of teas and powders, ginger can be easily added to stir fry or soup in fresh, oil or juice form.
Other great foods include olive oil, fish, avocados, turmeric, mushrooms, sweet potato and seaweed.
Eat Raw
Where possible, eat your fruits and vegetables raw and whole to get the full benefits of all the nutrients they carry.
Eat Local
Buying locally and within season is always better and healthier than eating food that has been imported from the other side of the world. Now obviously here in England, that narrows down the range since it’s not really the ideal climate for banana growing. But when it comes to apples, pears, berries, potatoes and other veggies, sourcing them locally ensures a higher quality. They also usually organic, and freer from harmful pesticides and chemicals better suited for a holistic diet.
Lower Sugar and Sodium Levels
Sodium is a leading factor to rising risks of high blood pressure or hypertension, and we all know the dangers of too much sugar. Try replacing sugar or sweeteners with natural alternatives, like honey, taking advantages of the many benefits it has to your health and improve your diet.
Water
We don’t need to tell you this, do we? Water is hugely important, and you can notice significant changes in both body and mood when you start ensuring that you are drinking enough water each day. For adult women, the recommended amount is about two litres.
Change your oil
Switch from hydrogenated fats and saturated fats to alternatives like coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil or flax seed oil.
So, whilst we here at Selfish Darling always encourage a good cup of tea or herbal blend, they are not necessary for taking a more holistic approach to your diet. There are alternatives that suit everyone, from fresh products to spices and seeds. Start off small by upping your water intake, switch oils for cooking and try eating vegetarian once a week. It doesn’t have to break the bank, and you don’t have to sacrifice taste to be healthy. You don’t like tea? Have an omelette.
