Grain Free Food Groups for Your Diet

It seems just about everything you eat these days consists mainly of grains. Pizzas, 
breads, sandwiches, burgers, etc... All mouthfuls of refined grains. What about the other 
food groups being neglected?

Meat and Protein

Good sources of protein as essential in maintaining a good diet to keep yourself strong 
and healthy. Protein comes in many forms and is available in a wide variety of foods, 
including some vegetables, surprisingly. The main sources of protein, in addition to 
other vital nutrients, are animal products, mainly meat.

Meat, whether Beef, Chicken, Fish, Pork, or any other source is full of easily 
synthesized proteins, necessary fats and lipids, and B vitamins, all to keep our bodies 
running smoothly and efficiently to keep up free of disease, health issues, and staying 
strong.

In addition to meat, nuts also contain high levels of protein and are also packed with 
vitamins and other substances that promote healthy skin, hair, and clean digestion. As 
with any food group, keep your intake well balanced. Overconsumption of nuts or meat 
can lead to adverse results on your digestive system and even iron poisoning.

Fruits

One of the tastiest and most versatile food groups on this list. There are a wide variety 
of fruits, each hosting their own set of benefits, nutrients, and positive effects on your 
body, digestive, and immune system. Fruits, especially citrus, are full of vitamin C and 
calcium. Most fruits hold antioxidant properties, preventing inflammation throughout 
your body.

The one drawback with fruits are that they are heavily filled with sugar. Despite the 
sugar being natural, and healthy in moderate portions, they can have the same effect on 
your body as if you consumed large amounts of a refined sugar.

Fruits can be incorporated into pretty much any meal. Blueberries in your breakfast 
yogurt, followed by some tomatoes or raisins in your salad at lunch, and a cooked 
lemon or lime accompanying your freshly grilled chicken or salmon during dinner.

Vegetables

Not everyone enjoys eating vegetables, especially on their own, but when you include 
them in meals, you'll find yourself enjoying the minimum recommended five servings of 
vegetables a day. Salads don't need to be made with bland iceberg lettuce, you can use 
green leaf lettuce, romaine, arugula, or even mustard greens to improve the flavor. Dice 
up some bell peppers, jicama (which are refreshing, crispy potato-like vegetables), as 
well as some olives and mushrooms to make eating vegetables more enjoyable.

Vegetables, whether leafy greens, roots, or any other type, play a crucial role in keeping 
our digestive system clean and operating well. They are incredibly nutritional and can 
be used in most meals both cost effectively and beneficially to your health.

So, next time you're thinking about eating crackers, or pizza, or any other bready, grain-
based food, try going for some carrot sticks dipped in ranch. Maybe have a fruit salad, 
or a yogurt parfait. Have a nice, hearty stew with beef and potatoes; eat food from the 
groups that really count.

