Body Toning Foods: Get Toned, Sexy & Strong with These Eight Great Foods

Although this is not easy for everyone to do - try to eat organic when you can. And your poultry/meats should ideally be grass fed, free range, etc... If not, just do the best you can to incorporate organic versions of not just the following - but all of the foods (and beverages) you take in as part of your regular diet.

1 - Bananas

This is one of my all time favorites - and I eat one every day. Bananas are a great source of magnesium (good for your bones and heart health) - and they are loaded with potassium (about 400 milligrams in a medium one). This is good since we are supposed to get close to 5,000 milligrams of potassium per day. Remember, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, fights bone loss and reduces your risk of kidney stones.

2 - Brown Rice

The difference between white rice and brown rice is not the color. White rice is brown rice AFTER it has been processed and devalued. Unlike white rice, brown rice is a true whole grain - because it still has the bran and germ of the natural grain. So you get the true 'whole grain' benefits - and about 10 times as much body-benefiting potassium and phosphorus.

3 - Bran

Either as cold cereal or hot cereal - bran kicks butt (I love oat bran cooked in water for breakfast [around 11:30am] with a medium banana, and 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed).

What do you get? A very nice dose of fiber, magnesium - and some VERY good quality carbohydrates.

4 - Brussel(s) Sprouts

Just 4 of these natural powerhouses gives you about 240 micrograms of vitamin K - which is twice the measly amount the average person gets in a full day. And trust me - you NEED vitamin K.

5 - Beef (Eye of Round is a good choice)

Red meat is not evil - unless you are foolishly eating a 1/2 pound every day of the week...

A 3-ounce serving of high quality beef gives you a body toning and strengthening dose of protein - at only 160 calories.

What else do you get from 'the beef'? Zinc and vitamin B6 - 2 more essential, life enhancing elements you need to function optimally - on a daily basis.

6 - Broccoli

Yes - it's still good for you... As one of the supreme 'dark green veggies' - you want to find a way to get this on your dinner table, and into your body, a few times a week if you are interested in reducing your chances of getting cancer - just to name a few...

7 - Blueberries

Let's see, where do we start?

..VERY high in antioxidants ...boost your brain function ...helps lower cholesterol ...loaded with vitamin K ...may help prevent osteoporosis ...prevents hardening of the arteries ...loaded with body cleansing fiber ...should I keep going?

8 - Barley

Pearl barley has the outer husk removed - so don't eat it. You want 'whole grain' barley - which still has the fiber loaded husk intact. We all know the benefits of true whole grains - so no need for me to rehash it all here. You can also try bulgar or buckwheat groats (kasha) - as they are also nutrient dense, healthy carb whole grains.

Well, there you have it... eight simple, widely available foods you can include in your long term meal plans for youthful health and life enhancing fitness.