When I started with this “Nutritious Foods for a Fit Lifestyle” series for #BlogchatterA2Z I was apprehensive about how it would be accepted. I’m a huge advocate of healthy eating and believe in making fitness a part of our everyday life. It is heartening to find out that so many people not only agree with me but also follow the same lifestyle. We must treat our body like a temple, revere it and preserve it. It’s the only one we have after all!
I hope to bust a few myths with today’s food choices. Anything when overdone can be disastrous but we can experience their positives by practising moderation. Excluding them from our diet completely shouldn’t be encouraged.
Yeast
Yeast is a type of fungus that initiates fermentation and is used in making breads and brewing beer. It is a good way to keep a healthy digestion and can help boost immunity. Nutritional yeast is Vitamin B rich and contains iron and zinc which help in building stronger muscles and bones. Yeast contains good bacteria that promote gut health. However, yeast must be consumed with caution and control since it can cause oral, skin and vaginal infections if overdone.
Kombucha is a light fermented tea made with yeast and available in different refreshing flavours like lemon and orange. Kefir is a probiotic dairy product that has yeast grains added to milk. Breads made with yeast are light and spongy.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt or dahi is made by fermenting lactose in milk with bacteria. It ranks high in the list of nutritious foods since it provides almost every nutrient that’s needed by your body. Yoghurt’s high calcium content gives you healthy teeth and bones while riboflavin and Vitamin B12 protect you from heart diseases. It is packed with protein which helps in increasing metabolism and assists weight control. It strengthens your immunity, leads to better digestion and may reduce osteoporosis risk.
Frozen yoghurt is all the rage now and is available in different amazing flavours. However, plain homemade unsweetened dahi is most beneficial for health. Buttermilk or lassi are refreshing drinks to have anytime of the day. Add yoghurt to your meals, layer your chaats with it or make overnight yoghurt fruit bowls and parfaits. The possibilities are limitless!
Yams
Yams are tuber vegetables that look like but are different from sweet potato. However, they’re starchier and are less sweet in taste. Yams are nutritious foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals and are a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, copper and manganese. They improve brain function and can enhance your memory. Yams contain antioxidants that can fight cancer and reduce inflammation. They help control blood sugar levels and can promote weight loss by reducing appetite.
Yams are a delight to cook and eat since they’re versatile in both sweet and savoury recipes. Baked yam chips, mashed yams (like mashed potato), yam fries, or pureed yams in muffins or breads, they are a delectable indulgence.
Yolk
An egg is the perfect balance of proteins, fats and is one of the most nutrient-dense foods. While egg whites are considered protein-rich and yolks high in cholesterol, it does have some noteworthy benefits. Yolks are an amazing source of water-soluble vitamins and contain fat and essential minerals like iron, calcium, sodium and zinc.
The nutritional value, especially fats, of eggs, depends on their source and way of cooking as well. Yolks can be separated from egg white and used in cakes, or making and brushing bakery products. Also, hard-boiled egg yolks can be added to stir-fried vegetables, sandwiches and burgers. However, an egg is best eaten whole.
Yorkshire Pudding is a traditional baked delicious treat that can be stuffed with sausages or mash and made into a complete meal. Yellow bell pepper adds a dash of colour to salads, savoury pies and open sandwiches. Cornbread is made with yellow cornmeal while Yakhni pulao is a foodie’s love. Nutritious foods have such a wide variety and are a tasty treat all the way, aren’t they?
This post is part of the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge by Blogchatter
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Another amazing list, Varsha. Somehow i never got good yeast. Yoghurt is universal love. I love yam curry as well am an eggiterian and yes egg is best eaten whole. Yorkshipe pudding is non veg so off my list.
Yet again you have chosen the best food and described the importance of each. Yolk has been the devil for so long. Your writing style is amazing
Deepika Sharma
Haven’t heard of kombucha, and who doesn’t like yoghurt/ dahi, its filled with proteins and important nutrients. I love yam chips and even yam fried chaat my mom makes, its called ratalu in Hindi. Have yet to taste yakhni pulav but love bell peppers in my salads, sandwich and even pasta too.
Another informative post in the series Varsha. I often have many questions about using yeast in recipes and due to these doubts, I had never used it at home. after reading your post, learn a lot. excessive use many cause infection, is a new learning for me. thanks for sharing dear.
Summers and curd is the best combo!
I agree people are quite apprehensive when it comes to yeast anf egg yolk but I feel eating anything in moderation can nerve harm you. Very well written post Varsha and congratulations for such a wonderful series.
For me, yogurt certainly, tops the list. I have not explored Yam yet and I don’t eat eggs too. But I love anything made with yogurt- raita, buttermilk, dahi sandwich, chaat..literally everything!!
Dahi is something I really love include daily in my meal and that to homemade yoghurt this is once again a very informative post for all of us.
Perfect Ys food that aids the nutritious value of our day to day meals. I have bought Yeast first time few days ago to make pizza for my kiddos, somehow plan changed and Yeast is still as it is unopened. I wasn’t aware of its attributes. Now would love to check out more yeast recipes.
Yoghurt is our first love in the family. All of us hog it in any form. Thanks for the informative series.
Yoghurt, Yeast, Yam, Yolk; I love those nutritious foods that are delicious and your list is on point!
This is loaded with information. Love all your posts that have such details about healthy eating habits
For me, dahi and eggs certainly, tops the list. I have not explored Yam yet . But I love anything made with yogurt-
Except yolk and yeast we love yams and yogurt. Summers starting so it the time to stick it up