There are lots of diets that promise to make you healthier and help you lose weight, but one of the simplest ways to improve your health is by going green with green food! We’re not just talking veggies either. Keep in mind that consuming a variety of these foods is the best way to reap all of their benefits.

Check out all of the great “green food” options to choose from…

Pistachios

They take a little effort to crack open, but pistachios are worth it, as they contain the important brain nutrient (vitamin B6) and 18 percent of your daily requirement of thiamine (vitamin B1). They can be enjoyed on their own or sprinkled over salads, vegetables, and desserts!

Pumpkin Seeds

Full of zinc, antioxidant phytonutrients, and protein, pumpkin seeds (sometimes called pepitas when they are out of their shells) have a nice crunch and a soft, chewy inside. Eat them raw or roast them with olive oil, salt, ground coriander, and pepper for an easy snack.

Collard Greens

These large, leafy greens are loaded with important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, folate, and vitamin K—a nutrient important for blood and bone health. Try sautéing chopped collards with diced onion and garlic, and serve with fish.

Spinach

Add a handful of raw spinach to salads, soups, and smoothies, and you’ll earn an extra dose of vitamins A, C, K, and E, as well as minerals vital to muscle function, such as potassium and magnesium. Spinach also goes great mixed with pasta and rice.

Seaweed

Seaweed contains lots of protein and is one of the few non-animal sources of B12, making it an excellent food for vegetarians. Enjoy with salads, soups, and sprinkled on rice.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a source of the soluble fiber inulin, which can suppress your appetite. There’s also an array of B vitamins in this popular vegetable, including B1, B2, B3, and B6. It also encourages digestive health and contains vitamin K, which acts as a natural diuretic. Asparagus can be steamed, sautéed, stir-fried, and mixed with vegetables and served with seafood.

Avocado

Creamy, packed with potassium and folate, and delicious on toast, this tropical fruit is a great way to add additional healthy monounsaturated fats to your meals, which may lower harmful levels of cholesterol. For a simple guacamole, try mashing an avocado with salt, pepper, tomato, and a squeeze of lime.

Green Bell Pepper

If you’re tired of eating oranges for a heavy dose of vitamin C, look to green bell peppers, which provide almost 120 milligrams of vitamin C in one cup (chopped). That’s well above the recommended 75 to 90 milligrams. Plus, you’ll be getting 2.5 grams of fiber. Green bell pepper tastes great raw in salads and cooked in stir-fries. It also tastes great grilled with olive oil and melted cheese on top.

Edamame

A half cup of edamame provides almost 8 grams of protein, which helps to stave off hunger. It’s a great staple of a low-calorie diet with only 95 calories per half cup. Boil edamame and eat plain or mixed with stir-fries.

Snap Peas

When you add a handful (about 1 cup) of snap peas to a salad, you’re adding 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of natural sugar, 2 grams of fiber, and no fat. Plus, you’re getting the added benefits of vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. Raw snap peas taste great in vegetable salads, or cook them as part of a stir-fry.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard provides a slew of health benefits and can be purchased throughout the year. It’s very high in vitamin A, C, E, and K, along with fiber, magnesium, manganese, iron, and potassium. Swiss chard can be served raw in salads, or cooked or sautéed for a side dish.

Source: Delicious Living