RIO Fitness Chicago® Exercise & Nutrition Blog

RIO Fitness Chicago® Tip:

Five healthy foods that you're probably not eating but definitely should be:

1) KIMCHI is a spicy pickled cabbage packed with vitamins and immune system-boosting phytochemicals. Its main ingredient, fermented cabbage, contains lactic acid, which helps with digestion and may weaken infections.

2) SHIRATAKI NOODLES made from the root of an Asian yam consist of a no-calorie soluble fiber, so they are a healthier alternative to egg noodles or pastas high in fast-digesting carbohydrates. The fiber, called glucomannan, helps lower bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and may help lower body weight.

3) PADDLEFISH CAVIAR has three times as much omega-3 essential fatty acid as salmon does.

4) GREEK YOGURT is a thicker, creamier yogurt because the liquid (whey) has been strained away. It contains probiotic cultures and has twice the protein of regular yogurt and fewer carbohydrates. It is lower in lactose too.

5) FLAXSEEDS are one of the few plant sources of healthful omega-3 fatty acids. Toss these tiny brown seeds into cereal, yogurt, soups and stews. Sprinkle them on top of slices of apple coated with low-cal peanut butter for a healthy dessert.