As we near this weekend, I'm sure many of you are planning your menu for the big game on Sunday night. Amid the delicious dishes you might choose, there is one ingredient you should be sure to include: avocados. Why? Avocados are packed with nutrients that are especially important for football fans....
Lutein
Lutein is an antioxidant that may help maintain eye health as we age. This antioxidant helps protect and maintain healthy cells inside the eye. One ounce of avocado contains 81 micrograms of lutein! Keep your eyes sharp during the game by getting your daily lutein!
Nuts are a great way for athletes to add energy to their training diet that's packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fat. Because these are a very energy-dense food option, it is a great way for busy athletes to meet their caloric needs quickly and nutritiously. Did you know that eating 1.5 ounces of the nuts listed below reduces your risk of heart disease? One study also found that women aged 20-45 years old who ate nuts at least 2 times per week had a lower risk of weight gain and obesity over an 8-year follow-up period than those women who ate nuts less frequently.
Are you aware of the huge variety of nuts? It's not just about peanuts, almonds and walnuts anymore. Read on to learn about the variety of nutritious nuts out there.
Note: 1 oz varies from ~160-200 Calories. A good rule of thumb is to substitute nuts for food sources of saturated fat in the diet (i.e. fried foods, full butter, commercial baked goods, etc.).
Cashews (1 oz serving = ~18)
Source of: copper and magnesium
Flavor: slightly sweet
Use: as a snack - raw or roasted - or added to Asian dishes
