1. Barley
- One of the healthiest rice alternatives
- Barley is loaded with 6 grams of soluble fiber per serving
- Helps keep you full
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
- Use almost anywhere you would use rice!
2. Quinoa
- A very nutrient-dense seed
- Great source of vitamin, thiamin, vitamin B6, and more
- Quinoa is about 20% healthy carb, but also filled with protein and fiber
- Gluten-free!
3. Oats
- Whole grain oats aid digestion with their soluble fiber
- Lowers the risk of heart disease
- High in minerals and antioxidants
- Helps lower blood sugar levels
- Can help you lose weight
- Try oats in the morning with nut butter and berries!
4. Sweet Potatoes
- A delicious and nutritious high-carb tuber
- One of the richest sources of vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium
- High levels of antioxidants
- Digested slowly, to help you stay full longer
- Prevents calories from turning into fat
- Try a baked sweet potato, or healthy sweet potato fries!
5. Buckwheat
- May be mostly carbohydrates but is also a complete source of protein!
- Gluten-free
- One of the highest mineral and antioxidant contents of all grains
- Great source of magnesium and fiber
- Great for weight loss and management
6. Bananas
- World’s most popular fruit
- Many people avoid them for their high carb and sugar content, despite its many health benefits (everything in moderation!)
- Best source of potassium
- Lowers blood pressure and improves heart health
- Increases good bacteria that help fight bloat
- Eat a banana next time you need some quick energy!
7. Sprouted Bread
- This type of bread is made from lentils and other sprouted grains instead of flour
- Usually contains very nutritious seeds such as barley and millet
- Sprouted bread has been shown to help you better absorb the vitamins and minerals you eat in other foods
- Replace your morning toast with some sprouted bread!
8. Amaranth
- Very similar to quinoa, but with more anti-inflammatory compounds
- Very high in calcium and magnesium
- Keeps your blood sugar maintained
- Great source of monounsaturated fats
- Make an amaranth oatmeal!
9. Beets
- Beets are a starchy vegetable but a health food nonetheless
- Dark purple foods are known for their very potent healing antioxidants
- Creates nitric oxides in your body which help lower blood pressure and the risk of chronic disease
- Used to enhance physical performance!
- Try them raw or cooked in salads, soups, or seasoned on their own
10. Acorn Squash
- 1 cup of acorn squash satisfies 30% of your daily required vitamin C
- Naturally sweet
- Helps you burn more fat during exercise
- High in fiber and plenty of vitamins and minerals
- Try making spaghetti squash, or an acorn squash soup in the winter (they’ll be in high season!)
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