Melissa Hebeler/E! IllustrationThis just in: Kale is so 2014.
Actually, the king of all greens is still quite good for you, but E! News has the scoop from Dr. Frank Lipman, an Integrative & Functional Medicine Physician and founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center, on other eats that will help kick your health into overdrive for the New Year. We're talking savory broths, sustainable proteins and fermented sides that are not just for hot dogs.
So this year, make sure to do your body right with foods that will nourish your digestive system, jumpstart your metabolism and make you feel, well, great. Read on for Dr. Lippman's picks below!
All About the Bone Broth - Full of healing nutrients collagen and gelatin, bone broth has justifiably been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years. This increasingly popular superfood has made a comeback as of late, not only does it nourishes your digestive system, but because it also reduces inflammation, promotes healthy skin and increases the bio-availability of nutrients.
Cauliflower's the New Kale - Due to its white color, cauliflower is often misperceived as lacking in nutrition, however, this cruciferous vegetable packs a powerful punch! Cauliflower is particularly noted for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits.
It's an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and folate. Cauliflower is great roasted, sautéed and these days my favorite way to prepare it is making Cauliflower Rice!
Go Grass Fed! - Grass-fed animal products pack a bigger nutritional punch than the standard issue factory-farmed, antibiotic-laced stuff. You'll find that grass-fed meats are higher in beta carotene (Vitamin A), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and Omega-3 fatty acids, which all help keep cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure in check.
Grass-fed products are also significantly lower in fat, cholesterol and calories. Better yet, grass-fed is virtually free from the threat of E. coli outbreaks – another major plus for meat-eaters. Check out the American Grass-fed Association to find grass-fed producers in your area.
The Whole (Pasture-Raised) Egg - So long egg whites! Egg yolk is packed with nutrition and is an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Egg yolks contain anti-oxidants, B vitamins including B12, vitamin A, iron, selenium, biotin, phosphorous, choline and other various trace nutrients. Choline in particular, which most Americans are deficient in, is a very important nutrient for brain function, the nervous system and supporting detoxification in the body.
A whole egg is an awesome source of protein, at about 6 grams per large egg, with all essential amino acids. If possible, purchase pasture-raised, as this means the chicken grazed on grass and therefore the nutritional profile of the egg is better than that of eggs from factory farms.
Sauerkraut - Fermented foods such as sauerkraut contain healthy, friendly bacteria (probiotics) that help to balance your gut flora—this is where 70 percent of your immune system is housed! Keeping your gut in working order is essential to good health, meaning fermented foods are a powerful food to incorporate into your diet. You want to be sure to purchase unpasteurized sauerkraut, which you can find in the refrigerated section of your local health food store.