There is so much good information available on the Internet about how to eat healthily. One of my favorite nutrition advocates is Dr. Joel Fuhrman. He has created an interesting list of good foods in order of their nutrient level to calories ratio. In his words,
"H = N/C (Health = Nutrients / Calories)
Adequate consumption of micronutrients – vitamins, minerals, and many other phytochemicals – without overeating on calories, is the key to achieving excellent health. Micronutrients fuel proper functioning of the immune system and enable the detoxification and cellular repair mechanisms that protect us from chronic diseases. A nutritarian is someone whose food choices reflect a high ratio of micronutrients per calorie and a high level of micronutrient variety."
Concise and to-the-point! Here's his list:
Sample Nutrient/Calorie Density Scores
Kale 1000 Sunflower Seeds 64
Collard Greens 1000 Kidney Beans 64
Mustard Greens 1000 Green Peas 63
Watercress 1000 Cherries 55
Swiss Chard 895 Pineapple 54
Bok Choy 865 Apple 53
Spinach 707 Mango 53
Arugula 604 Peanut Butter 51
Romaine 510 Corn 45
Brussels Sprouts 490 Pistachio Nuts 37
Carrots 458 Oatmeal 36
Broccoli Rabe 455 Shrimp 36
Cabbage 434 Salmon 34
Broccoli 340 Eggs 31
Cauliflower 315 Milk, 1% 31
Bell Peppers 265 Walnuts 30
Asparagus 205 Bananas 30
Mushrooms 238 Whole Wheat Bread 30
Tomato 186 Almonds 28
Strawberries 182 Avocado 28
Sweet Potato 181 Brown Rice 28
Zucchini 164 White Potato 28
Artichoke 145 Low Fat Plain Yogurt 28
Blueberries 132 Cashews 27
Iceburg Lettuce 127 Chicken Breast 24
Grapes 119 Ground Beef, 85% lean 21
Pomegranates 119 Feta Cheese 20
Cantaloupe 118 White Bread 17
Onions 109 White Pasta 16
Flax Seeds 103 French Fries 12
Orange 98 Cheddar Cheese 11
Edamame 98 Apple Juice 11
Cucumber 87 Olive Oil 10
Tofu 82 Vanilla Ice Cream 9
Sesame Seeds 74 Corn Chips 7
Lentils 72 Cola 1
Peaches 65
Aside from positive ratio values, the following foods are helpful during rehab for their anti-inflammatory properties: Also, see the "Supplements" tab for anti-inflammatory supplements.
Tart or sour cherries
Avocados
Salmon (fish and fish oil in general)
Cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil
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