You know what’s confusing? Vitamins… knowing which ones do what, and why we’re popping pills of this and that. Hopefully, we can shed some light on those B Complexes and CoQ10s and demystify exactly why it’s important to get them into your bod. By no means are we say you should stop taking your supplements. We’re just giving you tastier ways to gather up essentials in the form of real-life meals, most straight from the Brit + Co. kitchen. Bon appetit and be well.
1. Miso Soup: There’s a reason people in Japan start their mornings with this soup. It’s a probiotic machine, meaning you’re less likely to accidentally pass gas while walking down the street. (Hey, it happens.) (via Yummy Mummy Kitchen)
2. Roasted Salmon Nicoise: Fish oil is tops at combating any inflammation problems, and while you can’t get your daily dose of Omega 3s from fish everyday (thanks a lot mercury), you can occasionally get it the non-capsule way. Pacific herring has the highest concentration, but if that’s not available, salmon is your next best bet. (via Brit + Co.)
3. Apple Pie Oatmeal: Feeling like a frazzled mess? What you need is delicious and nutritious Vitamin B Complex in the form of oatmeal. MmmMmm… level headedness tastes good. (via Brit + Co.)
4. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Open wide, another dose of Vitamin B Complex is coming your way thanks to, not bacon (you wish!), but brussels sprouts. Why more B Complex? Because! It’s tasty! And gives you more energy. So you can get on those weekend DIYs you’ve been meaning to tackle. (via Brit + Co.)
5. Flavored Butter: In no way are we suggesting that you should eat pounds upon pounds of butter, but it is one natural way of getting MCT oil. That stands for medium-chain triglycerides. MCT is full of fats that are easier for your body to break down, which results in better athletic performances (hear that, Sochi Olympic athletes?), and probably more attractive to most of us, a stronger immune system. So next time you’re at REI, think twice about buying goos and energy bars and just reach for a stick of butter… but please don’t eat the entire thing. (via Brit + Co.)
6. Super Skinny Spinach Smoothie: Your mom always says, “Eat your greens.” That’s because she loves you and wants you to be happy… and eat magnesium. Raw spinach is totally rich in the stuff (magnesium and happiness), seeing as it aids in a good night’s rest and helps keep anxiety at bay. (via Brit + Co.)
7. Two-Bite Kale Tabouli Pockets: Magnesium is pretty important. It directs over 350 enzymes that are swimming around your bod. If you live in cold climates, it’s probable that your body isn’t hanging on to as much of it as it needs to. Luckily, quinoa is delicious and full of it. (via Brit + Co.)
8. Chicken Pineapple Skewers: CoQ10 – meat is rich in the stuff. Why do you care? Because this is a compound that slows down the aging process, increases energy and helps with cardio health. If you’re over 40 and dealing with health issues, try amping up your intake. (via Brit + Co.)
9. Almond Cream of Broccoli: When trying to lose weight, adding more broccoli into your diet seems like a no brainer. Besides being low in cals, it contains mad amounts of Alpha Lipoic Acid. Not only does that acid kick inflammation’s butt and protect your skin’s collagen production, but it helps balance your blood sugar, which helps keep those confectionary cravings in check. (via Brit + Co.)
10. Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal Banana Bread: Feeling a little… umm… backed up? Magnesium is back to aid your bathroom woes. This time it’s coming at you via bananas and chocolate… yes chocolate. (via Brit + Co.)
11. Avocado Ice Cream: What you’re getting in avocados is acetyl glutathione. What the heck is that you ask? In short, it’s the mothership of all antioxidants. Low levels of it in your system has strong links to the aging process. So put down that expensive night cream, and pick up a bowl of avocado ice cream. (via Brit + Co.)
12. Ginger Turmeric Spiced Spring Carrot Soup: You’re sleep deprived and dealing with some incredibly uncomfortable inflammation. Just a spoonful of turmeric helps the acetyl glutathione go down. So long, inflammation. And sweet dreams to you too, dear reader. (via Gourmande in the Kitchen)
How do you eat your vitamins? Send us your recipes in the comments below!