Monday, February 16, 2015

WELLNESS TIP: Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium. All Natural. Eat and Be Nourished

1. White Beans: 191 mg (19% DV) in 1 cup canned Creamy and light, these legumes are a great source of calcium and iron . Add them to a pasta dish with veggies, or skip the chickpeas and make your own hummus with white beans. 2. Salmon: 232 mg (23% DV) in ½ can with bones (which provides the calcium!) 3. Sardines: 321 mg (32% DV) in about 7 sardines fillets There’s nothing fishy about sardines—they are one of the healthiest fish to munch on! Along with calcium, they also provide a hefty dose of omega 3’s and vitamin 4. Dried Figs: 107 mg (10% DV) in 8 whole dried figs For a sweet treat, this dried fruit packs an antioxidant, fiber, and calcium punch . Eat them as a mid-day snack, or turn these delicious dried fruits into a creamy jam. 5. Bok Choy: 74 mg (7% DV) in 1 cup This versatile Chinese cabbage provides a hefty dose of vitamins A and C, along with calcium and fiber. Stir-fry bok choy with garlic and olive oil for a perfect side dish. 6. Blackstrap Molasses: 172 mg (17% DV) in 1 tablespoon When the sweet tooth strikes, it’s best to go natural. Blackstrap molasses is darker in color and richer in flavor than regular molasses, and is filled with calcium, iron, and other vitamins. Plus, it’s a great sweet and flavorful addition to many dishes. Drizzle some on pancakes, or use it to make brown sugar. 7. Kale: 188 mg (19% DV) in 2 cups raw (chopped) This superfood is filled with calcium and antioxidants, and is perfect to use as the base of any salad when shredded into thin strips. A kale salad with apricots and avocado is a perfect springtime dish. 8. Black-eyed Peas: 185 mg (18% DV) in 1/2 cup canned I gotta feeling this is not just a band. These beans are filled with calcium, potassium, folate, and more! Skip the fat-filled mayo and whip up this black-eyed pea spread to pump up any sandwich or appetizer. 9. Almonds: 72 mg (7% DV) in ¼ cup dry roasted (about 20 nuts) You’re "nuts" if you don’t grab a handful of almonds every now and then! They’re the most nutritionally dense nut, packing a crazy amounts of nutrients per calorie and ounce. Aside from calcium, they also contain potassium, vitamin E, and iron. Sprinkle on a salad or make your own almond butter. Just watch out for portion size! 10. Oranges: 65 mg (6% DV) in 1 medium fruit Orange-you glad we included oranges?! Full of vitamin C and calcium, enjoy this fruit as a mid-morning snack, or use its citrus flavor to brighten up any dish, like these honey-orange carrots. 11. Turnip Greens: 197 mg (20% DV) in 1 cup cooked (chopped) This leafy green comes from turnip bulbs, and is filled with calcium, antioxidants, and folate, which could help improve mood. Sautee them as a side dish, or spice things up and make a turnip tart. 12. Sesame Seeds: 88 mg (9% DV) in 1 tablespoon These unassuming seeds are more than just a hamburger bun decoration. Sesame seeds can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and may even fight against certain cancers. Use their nutty crunch in a salad, or add to this sautéed spinach dish. 13. Seaweed: 126 mg (13% DV) in about 1 cup raw Fish aren’t the only, well, fish in the sea. Seaweed is full of calcium, fiber, and iodine, which helps with proper thyroid function . Bring a bowl of risotto up a notch with this seaweed recipe. Feel like keeping it classic? Try your hand at a classic miso soup. 14. Instant Oatmeal: 187 mg (19% DV) in 1 cup Many cereals and grains are now fortified, including our favorite morning breakfast. And while the instant kind doesn’t boast the same benefits as old-fashioned rolled oats, they’re a quick breakfast option that’s full of fiber and calcium. Just choose the kinds without added sugar. 15. Orange Juice: 500 mg (50% DV) in 1 cup In moderation, fruit juice is a perfect pairing for morning pancakes or eggs! Enjoy a tall glass for calcium and vitamin C, or pour over a salmon fillet. 16. Soymilk: 300 mg (30% DV) in 1 cup Cows milk not your cup of tea? Soymilk is a great option for people who are lactose intolerant and contains more protein than regular milk. Pour in a morning bowl of cereal or add to coffee with some cinnamon. 17. Firm Tofu: 861 mg (86% DV) in ½ cup We know what you’re thinking: What exactly is tofu? This meaty textured vegetarian alternative is actually made of dried soybeans that have been grounded up and boiled. It’s a great way to add lots of protein, little fat, and (of course) calcium to any meal! What’s on the dinner table tonight? Try this caramelized tofu.