In fact, the most recent dietary guidelines for Americans have identified six key nutrients that are frequently underconsumed even in some of the most well-rounded diets.
The recipes below offer up delicious ideas of how to get more of these nutrients into your diet starting today.
Iron helps form hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body, as well as myoglobin, a similar compound found in heart and muscle tissue that provides the extra oxygen you need to work out. Iron is also necessary to make connective tissue and some hormones and for a strong immune system.
Key Sources: Lean red meat, white beans, tofu, fortified breads, cereal, spinach
This mineral balances sodium to prevent bloating and promote normal blood pressure, as well as prevents calcium loss from bones. It’s also key for nerve cell function and muscle contraction and for storing energy in muscles for later use.
Mushroom, Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Servings: 3
Ingredients:
2 cups riced cauliflower
½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
2 large eggs
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp olive oil
8 oz sliced white button or baby bella mushrooms
½ cup chopped roasted red bell pepper
4 oz crumbled goat cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.
2. To rice the cauliflower, place florets in a food processor and roughly chop.
3. Place cauliflower, mozzarella, eggs, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl and stir to combine. Spoon the cauliflower mixture into 3 4-inch-diameter circles on baking sheet, forming into 3 flat rounds. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.
5. In a medium bowl, combine mushrooms, red pepper, and goat cheese.
6. Place toppings on each crust and return to oven. Bake for 5 minutes.
Well-known for strengthening the skeleton, calcium is also critical for proper function of every cell, especially those in your skeletal muscles and heart.
Key sources: Milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified soy beverages, and tofu with calcium sulfate; dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli
How much: 1,000mg/day
Chocolate Almond Smoothie Bowl
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
½ medium ripe frozen banana, sliced
¾ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
1 tbsp natural almond butter
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Toppings:
1 tbsp unsweetened coconut
½ medium ripe banana, sliced
2 tbsp slivered almonds
Directions:
1. Place frozen banana slices, yogurt, almond butter, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract in a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth.
Dietary fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, helps steady blood-glucose levels so your energy is on a more even keel, and keeps blood cholesterol in check.
Key sources: Whole grains, fruit like pears, vegetables, almonds, chickpeas
How much: 25g/day
Chopped Greek Salad Bowl With Chicken
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Pinch dried oregano
½ cup cooked freekeh
¼ cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed
4 oz chopped cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
¼ cup chopped peeled cucumber
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
5 large olives
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and oregano. Set aside.
2. Place freekeh in a bowl and top with beans, chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives. Top with dressing and feta cheese.
Your body relies on D to absorb calcium and regulate its flow in bones and the bloodstream, helping keep your heartbeat regular and your muscles moving.
Key sources: Fortified foods such as milk, soy, yogurt; salmon, tuna, eggs
How much: 600 IU/day
Baked Honey-Orange Salmon Fillet
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
2 tbsp honey
¼ cup orange juice
2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp prepared minced garlic
1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
8 oz Atlantic salmon fillet
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
3. Place salmon skin-side down in a shallow baking dish. Top with honey mixture. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Your body relies on D to absorb calcium and regulate its flow in bones and the bloodstream, helping keep your heartbeat regular and your muscles moving.
Key sources: Fortified foods such as milk, soy, yogurt; salmon, tuna, eggs
How much: 600 IU/day
Tropical Overnight Oats Parfait
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
⅔ cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1½ cups plain fat-free Greek yogurt
1 kiwi, peeled and cubed
¼ cup canned crushed pineapple, drained
2 tbsp toasted flaked unsweetened coconut
Directions: 1. In a small bowl, combine oats, honey, vanilla, and yogurt.
2. In another small bowl, combine kiwi and pineapple.
3. Starting with the oat mixture, layer oat and fruit mixtures in 2 half-pint mason jars. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Top with coconut just before serving.
