I know some people who absolutely hate to grocery shop. Maybe it's because I'm single with no kids (which means that I have less to get) yet I'm on the opposite side of the coin. Because I like to cook often and grocery shopping is how I get a lot of random thinking accomplished (because I'm away from my computer), I really like it. And over the past couple of years, I've become more intentional about getting what my body, as a woman, needs.
That's what we're gonna get into in just a sec. If money and/or time is tight and you're curious about what you should put on your own grocery list, so that your own system will be satisfied, here are 15 foods that really do a woman's body a lot of good.
1. Fresh (in Season) Fruit
Something that I definitely keep in my fridge at all times is fresh fruit. Right now, I've got some watermelon and mango slices up in there.
Anyway, fruit is good for you because it's loaded with antioxidants, it's full of water to keep us hydrated and many of them are low in calories too. As a bonus, fruit is low in fat and sodium and contains no cholesterol.
As far as some of the healthiest fruits to consume — apples, berries (in season), avocados, pineapples, bananas, citrus fruit and pomegranates top the list.
2. Yogurt
These days, I'm actually a huge fan of kefir which is a lot like drinkable yogurt that has a ton more probiotics in it. And that's actually why yogurt makes this list. It's full of probiotics which helps to keep your gut (check out "80% Of Your Immunity Is In Your Gut. Take Care Of It Like This.") and vaginal health on track. Yogurt is also great because it's full of calcium, vitamins B and D and phosphorus (which helps your muscles to contract, gives you a boost of energy and is needed to properly detox your kidneys too). Plus, yogurt has a ton of protein in it; good to know if you're a vegan or vegetarian.
3. 100 Percent Pure Tart Cherry Juice
Are you someone who has trouble sleeping? That's just one of the many reasons why you might wanna pour yourself a glass of some pure tart cherry juice. It's the kind of juice that also has your back because it has fiber, protein, vitamins A and C, manganese (which reduces inflammation) and potassium (which reduces your blood pressure and water retention in your system). If you're someone who works out a lot, this is the kind of juice that can naturally help to reduce muscle soreness. If arthritis is an issue for you, pure tart cherry juice has been known to decrease related symptoms. It's also the kind of juice that can help you to lose weight and boost your immunity. Just make sure it's pure because sugar tends to affect its potency.
4. Fresh Herbs
There are some people in my life who have their own herb gardens. What's really cool is there are actually several that you can grow in mason jars from the comfort and convenience of being inside of your own home (you can check out a list of some of those here). The reason why it's a good idea to add some fresh basil, rosemary, cilantro, cinnamon, garlic, oregano or mint (for starters) to your dishes is because fresh herbs can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, regulate your blood sugar and they even contain properties to keep cancer cells at bay. Plus, they really do take the taste of foods to another level — so much more than herbs that have been processed and put into a bottle do.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are considered to be a perfect food. What that essentially means is you could eat one of those and get a ton of what your body needs in just one meal. That makes sense too, considering the fact that they're a vegetable that is high in protein, fiber, vitamins A, B6 and C as well as manganese. One of the sweetest ways to stay regular, fight cancer, support your brain function, keep your immune system up and even keep your eyes in good shape is to eat a baked potato or snack on some homemade sweet potato fries.
6. Portobello Mushrooms
If you check out the article, "10 Foods That Make Eating Less Meat...Easier" on our platform, something that you'll notice is portobello mushrooms topped the list because they've got such a meaty texture that makes them an awesome meat substitute. On the health benefits tip, these particular mushrooms are awesome because they're a good source of antioxidants, vitamins B and D, selenium (which can help to prevent cancer) and copper (which can help to prevent premature greying). Also, if you're looking to add some non-inflammatory foods to your diet, these kinds of mushrooms can check that box off too.
7. 100 Percent Pure Cranberry Juice
When it comes to this, I'm not talking about Ocean Spray. That stuff has more sugar in it than soda does. Matter of fact, I won't lie to you. The real deal kind of cranberry juice (the kind that contains zero sugar) is sour as all get out. Still, it's really good for your health overall because it also has a ton of antioxidants, along with properties that can reduce your chances of getting diabetes, protect your urinary tract, fight off free radicals and certain viruses and bacteria. Also, cranberry juice even has the ability to decrease the amount of plaque that tries to linger on your teeth, which makes it a pretty dope drink.
8. Turmeric
I've got some friends who seem to be eating traditional Indian food whenever I talk to them on the phone. On the turmeric tip (because a lot of Indian dishes use it for curry), that's a good thing because it's a spice that contains super potent medicinal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a direct result, turmeric is known to help to prevent heart disease, give your brain a boost and even fight symptoms that are directly related to depression. Just make sure that you purchase the kind that has a high amount of curcumin in it. That's the compound that helps to make turmeric super powerful. One quick thing, though — if your blood is naturally thin, you might want to run consuming it by your doctor first. I used to take turmeric as a daily supplement and when I tell you that it caused my period to be heavy as hell? That is absolutely no exaggeration.
9. Dark Leafy Greens
There really is no way around the fact that if you want to stay in good shape, health-wise, you need some sort of dark leafy green in your kitchen stash. They are full of fiber. They are low in calories. And they've got so many nutrients in them, that you can get a lot of the vitamins and minerals that you need for the day with just one salad. Plus, they are directly attributed to lowering the risk of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Personally, I'm a fresh spinach kind of gal myself; however, if you're curious about what some of the (other) healthy greens are, that would include kale, collards, romaine lettuce, arugula, Swiss chard, endive and turnip greens.
10. Tortillas
Something that I really like are fish tacos. So much, in fact that, I've been making them more often at home (mostly because I don't eat catfish or tilapia which is oftentimes served at restaurants).
Anyway, did you realize that tortillas are good for you too? They are high in fiber, calcium and folic acid. They are a low-calorie food. They are a great energy source as well. Although I like the texture of flour tortillas more, if you want the ones that are more health beneficial, corn tortillas are gonna be your best bet because they are high in whole grains and lower in gluten (unlike flour tortillas).
Either way, if Mexican dishes are a favorite of yours, now you've got a solid reason to make more of them from scratch.
11. Infused Water
You can read articles on our site like "10 Overlooked Signs That You're Dehydrated " and "Who Knew That Some Of Us Are Actually Drinking Water Wrong?" to get that we're big fans of water consumption over this way. Still, if you're like me and you don't drink as much of it as you probably should because it's what I call "wet air" (boring as all get out), turn a regular pitcher of water into infused water instead. By adding some of your favorite fruits and/or veggies and/or herbs to it, not only will you get a bit of flavor with every glass, you'll also get some of the nutrients from those foods into your system. Infused water is great on so many levels. Try it.
12. Salmon
Earlier this year, I wrote an article for the site about how salmon can help to grow your hair out (check out "Let's Gain An Inch A Month Of Hair Growth 'Til December, Shall We?"). That's no exaggeration either because it has omega-3 fatty acids that our hair and skin need in order to remain moisturized, healthy and strong. As a solid source of protein that's filled with practically every B vitamin that you can think of, as well as antioxidants and potassium too, salmon is hailed for being the kind of food that fights inflammation, protects brain health and helps with weight control. Aside from personal preference or allergies, there really isn't one good reason to not eat it more often.
13. Quinoa
As far as perfect foods go, quinoa is a whole grain (that's technically a seed) that tops the list. It's got lots of fiber, protein, amino acids, vitamins B and E, calcium, zinc (which is great for skin, nails and hair), magnesium (a nutrient that your nerves and muscles need), iron — and that's really the tip of the iceberg! Some cool things about this gluten-free food is it helps to regulate your blood sugar levels and keep your metabolism balanced. A great food, all the way around, when it comes to maintaining our overall health and well-being.
14. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a fruit that is a great source of vitamins A, C, K as well as calcium and potassium. The lycopene in it is a natural chemical that helps to reduce acne and keep our pores clear. The calcium in them can help to strengthen your bones. If you happen to be a smoker, the coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid in this fruit work together to protect your system from carcinogen-related damage. Tomatoes also have a reputation for playing a direct role in breaking down the beginning signs of kidney stones (who knew?).
15. Hemp Seeds
If you're looking for a seed to add to your dietary routine, definitely try hemp seeds. For starters, they top the list of being an incredible source of protein. Also, they've got Vitamin E, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and so many other nutrients in them. If you consume them on a consistent basis, the fatty acids in hemp seeds can slow down aging signs in your skin. Not only that but hemp seeds have a reputation for aiding in digestion, reducing your risk of heart disease and even decreasing the symptoms that are related to PMS and menopause. It really doesn't get any better than that!
Join our xoTribe, an exclusive community dedicated to YOU and your stories and all things xoNecole. Be a part of a growing community of women from all over the world who come together to uplift, inspire, and inform each other on all things related to the glow up.
Featured image by Getty Images
- Spring: Fruits and Veggies In Season Guide - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- Tips For Trasitioning To A Vegan Lifestyle - xoNecole: Women's ... ›
- Adrienne Houghton Just Went Vegan! Here's What's On Her Grocery ... ›
RELATED
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images
