"Superfoods"

I can get plenty of fiber and protein without those foods. I think "superfoods" is a bunch of hyped-up trendy malarkey. Most foods have some phytochemical or compound which has a positive impact on health. Tomatoes used to be touted because of their lycopene. Grape seeds have resveratrol. Chocolate has all sorts of antioxidants.

Eat foods because you like them and they fit your macros, and even because they offer some specific nutrient you feel you aren't getting enough of. If you eat a wide variety of veggies and fruits, whole grains and legumes, nuts and seeds, proteins and healthy fats, you'll get all the micronutrients and antioxidants you need. Don't waste your money on stuff just because it's trendy.

This content has been removed.

I'll echo what has already been said; chia, flax, and all that are trendy right now, but more importantly eat a wide variety of unprocessed food and stay in your calorie goal. I have an old "superfoods" books written maybe 10 years ago. None of the foods you mentioned were on that list, but it did include: tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, yogurt, oats, turkey, blueberries, salmon, walnuts, citrus, and a few other things I can't remember. Most of those are packed full of nutrients and don't carry a huge calorie burden.

My goal is to eat as many different foods as I can figuring that the variety will give me a plethora of micronutrients.

Don't fall for the hype. All of those seeds are a good source for omega 3's. You do not need to eat them daily. I don't see how they would help with weight loss or body toning.

I agree with the above. Just eat healthy. If you are still concerned, visit a dietician and go through what you eat to see if you are missing any nutrients. Portion control is also important.

I can understand where everyone is coming from here, but I'm gonna stick up for the "superfoods" for a moment.

I'm a fan of hemp, chia, flax, etc. because they are rich in vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, and even pack protein. Not only that, but they are low carb and high fiber.

They are versatile and easy to fit into your diet. Smoothies, salads, yogurts, what have you...there's a bunch of ways.

They are not expensive. My local store has them in the bulk section for a few dollars a pound.

If you like to eat your nutrients instead of supplement them, which I personally prefer, then these "superfoods" can be a good addition to your diet. I think there is definitely a hype behind these foods, but remember when avocados became weirdly trendy? Did you stop eating avocados? Just eat what suits you.

Eating healthy in general is a no brainer if you are worried about your well being, but you don't HAVE to eat these foods any more than you HAVE to eat a banana tomorrow. Or kale. Or a fruit roll-up, for crying out loud.

Take a look at the nutrition facts, try them out, and decide if you like them. You aren't "falling" for anything if you eat them. They are just food.

There are foods that are nutritionally dense, but as far as "super", their calories are counted just like any other food. Weight loss still is about CICO.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I think that these foods are good in addition to other foods. Of course, you can get the equivalent protein and fiber in so many ways that will contain many less calories---More bang for your buck, yaknow. But if these are foods you enjoy, I wouldn't rely solely on them for a good body; because I hear that what you've mentioned contains many health benefits that extend past protein and fiber, why not just add a bit over a salad or in some greek yogurt? It'll probably be much better when trying to budget calories

Alatariel75 wrote: »

"Superfood" is a label given to whatever random produce the producers have too much of in the shed that week. It's a marketing gimmick.

DINGDING! We have a winner.

dbmata wrote: »

There is one superfood.

Bacon.

Bingo!!!

reganschoffer wrote: »

Hi,
I have been eating a lot of foods that I hear are "super foods" such as chia, hemp, flax and other seeds, in order to boost fibre and protein. I have noticed these are adding a lot of calories to my diet.. What are peoples thoughts on eating these for goals such as weight loss and body toning?
Thanks!

No such thing as a superfood...