A healthy diet provides the foundation for a strong lifestyle and gives you access to natural remedies for a wide range of health concerns. When residents in the Anchorage, AK, area need advice about their paths to wellness, they count on the Ellenburg Center for Natural Medicine. Named after its founder, naturopathic doctor Michael J. Ellenburg, the center specializes in holistic approaches to health that treat people—not just diseases. These treatments include acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.

Good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Naturopathic doctors recommend the following foods due to their nutritional value and their versatility, making them true kitchen staples and future favorites.

5 Foods A Naturopathic Doctor Recommends

1. Beans & Lentils

These tiny ingredients are nutritional powerhouses. Beans and lentils are low in calories and packed with fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. They’re also great sources of protein, and the combination of protein and fiber can help you regulate your blood sugar levels. Beans and lentils can be cooked and added to soups and salads or pureed to make delicious dips and spreads.

2. Eggs

Your favorite breakfast food is an excellent source of many nutrients including choline, which may reduce your risk of cancer, and antioxidants that fight macular degeneration. Eggs are also low in calories and rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to being a good breakfast, eggs can also be enjoyed as a filling snack or salad add-on.

3. Green Vegetables

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are loaded with vitamins that can help reduce your risk of cancer. Other green vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, also contain cancer-fighting nutrients.

4. Plant-Based Milk

Plant-based milks are derived from sources including soy, nuts, and rice. They’re all higher in calcium and lower in sugar and calories than dairy milk. For many adults, plant-based milks are also easier to digest than dairy milk. Best of all, they can be enjoyed over your cereal, added to your morning coffee or fruit smoothie, and used in your family’s favorite baking recipes.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Whether you prefer your potatoes baked, mashed, or roasted, you can make your side dishes more nutritious by switching to sweet potatoes. These tasty tubers are a great source of cancer-fighting antioxidants, inflammation reducing choline, and eye-health-boosting beta carotene.

It’s never too late to start eating healthier. To learn more about how a naturopathic doctor can help you achieve optimal health, visit the Ellenburg Center for Natural Medicine online, or call (907) 563-2366.