Let me just say – diets are not my thing. I’m not good at them, they stress me out. However, if I just think of it as “eating well” I can “diet” all I want. In my household, we really try to stick to the power, super and perfect foods, then we just mix them up to make some delicious dishes. When I came across this list of the “12 Perfect Foods”, I had to share it with the Kelapo fans. Because when you mix one of these perfect foods with the super food that is coconut oil – you’ve got a winning combination on your hands.

A Perfect Food and Super Food make one delicious dish!

Chia Seeds: I recently became a big fan of these tiny seeds. They are packed fully of heart healthy omega-3s and fiber but don’t change the flavor of what you’re making. Try adding about a teaspoon to Kayla’s Banana Fosters Protein Smoothie for breakfast or a post-workout replenish.

Kiwi: This is really one of my favorites on the list. Not only do they taste heavenly, this tiny fruit is packed with a lot of vitamin C – which means it’ll help your immunity during cold and flu season. Mix it with the lauric acid found in coconut oil, and you have a mean one-two punch toward the sniffles! My top vote is for our Fruit Salad with Coconut Cream Dressing.

Berries: I already talked about how important it is to Berry Up Your Diet because of all the antioxidants and nutrients in berries earlier this month. Adding seasonal, fresh berries to your oatmeal or yogurt is an easy way to ensure you’re getting all the goodness from this perfect food.

Yogurt/Kefir: I got turned on to Greek yogurt about a year ago to help cut down on my sugar intake. I throw a cup into a berry smoothie with a tablespoon of coconut oil to give me enough probiotics and digestion support to start my day off right.

Eggs: I take my eggs Texas style – scrambled with a little cheese and salsa! Not only are you getting protein, but eggs are chalk full of vitamins and minerals. Try frying them with Kelapo Non-Stick Spray to make them slide off the pan.

Pork: We were a chicken family growing up, but it a nice break to try the other white meat. Our Paleo Grilled Pork Tenderloin will give any diet the necessary protein and B vitamins it needs without sacrificing on taste.

Salmon: Living in Florida has really spoiled me on eating fresh fish. Salmon even has backing from the American Heart Association for its immense health benefits, including a rich iron and protein supply. Chef Dennis created a delicious Pistachio Crusted Salmon, which just makes this tasty fish even better!

Broccoli: My fiancé and I can’t eat enough of this green veggie. Between the fiber and vitamins (including A, C and K), you have to incorporate this into your meals. I say even our Party Pizza Appetizer counts as eating your greens!

Tomato: I have been eating tomatoes for nearly as long as I’ve been eating solid foods. The fruit or vegetable debate aside, it’s my all-time favorite perfect food, period. I also LOVE salsa, so it’s a great excuse to eat Mexican food, like our Shrimp Tacos or Baked Chicken Fajitas.

Avocado: Here’s another fruit/vegetable debatable – but either way, I can and do eat these straight up. Top your favorite dishes with avocados to add some heart healthy and cholesterol boosting support.

Beans: Ah yes, I believe we are all saying the elementary school rhyme right about now. But seriously – these are magical in a completely different way. From black beans to baked beans, it’s a fail-proof way to add extra fiber into your diet. Give our Black Bean Soup a go for a quick and easy dinner any day of the week.

Edamame: And finally – the perfect food that is the perfect snack. These bite sized wonders are great by themselves or on a salad. They pack a lot of protein without the added cholesterol or fat of an animal-based source.

Now that you’re armed with these foods, maybe you can join me in a non-diet diet. Cheers to healthy living!

-Michelle