Diet & Nutrition
Vital ingredients for a strong body
Sometimes it’s hard to know if you’re getting enough nutrients, and which ones you need. This is especially when you’ve been going non-stop all day without a minute to yourself. If you’ve ever ended up eating whatever’s nearest just to keep the hunger at bay, you’re not alone.
Here’s a quick guide to a few vital nutrients you need daily, along with some easy recipes you can throw together in no time, to help you stay energetic, productive and healthy, no matter how busy you are.
The muscle pacifier
Magnesium is nature’s muscle soother. It helps ease post-workout tightness, tension headaches and period cramps – just what every woman needs! However, it’s often overlooked. Get your daily dose by stocking up on leafy greens, whole grains, beans, nuts and dairy. After your next workout, give your muscles a refreshing magnesium refill with this delicious minty kiwi blended juice. It’s packed with mint leaves, spinach and magnesium-fortified Anlene, and it’s super quick to make.
Your skin’s best friend
Here’s a mind-blowing fact for you: collagen is the most abundant protein in your body! 70-80% of your skin, 30% of your bones and 1-10% of your muscle mass is made up of collagen. It’s the glue that holds everything together2. Your body makes less and less collagen as you get older, so it’s important to stock up daily. Get your fill of bone broth, fish, eggs, and avocados. We love this pancake recipe, which has blueberries, chia seeds and calcium- and collagen-fortified Anlene all-in-one – perfect for weekend brunches with the gals!
The building blocks
As the building block of your body, protein is an essential part of every cell. It helps with muscle building, tissue repair and hormone production3. However, the body doesn’t store protein, so you need to top up regularly. And it doesn’t always have to be plain chicken breasts. Nutrition experts recommend getting protein from fish, beans, nuts, whole grain cereals, eggs and dairy as well. So why not have a protein-rich dessert? Like this creamy leche flan recipe: chock-full of eggs and milk, and fun for the taste buds too! However, as with all foods, do practice portion control.
The bone builder
What you’ve heard is true! Calcium keeps your bones strong. Also, your heart, muscles and nerves need calcium to function well. However, your body doesn’t produce calcium, so make sure you get your fill of dairy products, dark leafy greens and fish with edible soft bones, like sardines and canned salmon. To absorb calcium, your body also needs vitamin D4. You can get the combined package with milk, such as Anlene, that is not only vitamin D fortified but also a natural source of calcium. Or go outside and enjoy the sunshine while chowing down a kale salad!
Sources:
1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-magnesium#1
2. https://www.perfectketo.com/benefits-of-collagen/
3. https://www.webmd.com/men/features/benefits-protein#1
This content originally appeared on Yahoo.