Getting the most out of our diet seems to be getting trickier and trickier. There are so many quick and easy meals available to us that it is easy to forget one of my cardinal rules, "The more you cook, the better you look."

The great part about this short list is that the foods are very easy to prepare quickly. You don't need to spend hours in the kitchen getting everything squared away-- some of them come prepared already, some are just additions to what you are already eating, and one takes less then 20 minutes to cook.

All right, enough of this prelude stuff, let's get into the list!

1. Pumpkin Seeds
   It doesn't get easier than pumpkin seeds! Just grab a bag, take it with you, and you will have access to an easy snack all day. Pumpkin seeds are a very high protein seed and they also come packed with magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, iron, beneficial fats, and a bunch of dietary fiber. As you go through your day, a handful of these little guys will keep your energy levels high, and help stave off the hunger that causes us to run to the drive through.


2. Greek Yogurt
   For a yogurt, this little gem is extremely high in protein.
   
   On top of that, Greek yogurt is full of probiotics, which promote digestive health, and help you to absorb the nutrients from your food more efficiently. This is very important because the modern lifestyle and diet does not support healthy digestive function. Getting a good dose of probiotics into your system can help get things back on track, and allow you to get more out of the food you are eating.
   
   This is one of my favorite breakfast foods to grab when I am in a hurry.


3. Brewer's Yeast Flakes
   This is something you probably have never thought of but it is a fantastic addition to the foods you are already eating. I like to add it to cereal, oatmeal, or the aforementioned Greek Yogurt.
   
   Brewer's yeast flakes are packed with vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, protein, and fiber.
   
   They are also a fantastic appetite suppressant. To put that another way, they will help you feel fuller for a longer period of time.  This is very important if you are constantly on the go, or are trying to lose weight and avoid junk food.


4. Lecithin Granules
   Lecithin granules are a fantastic and extremely easy nutritional powerhouse to get into your diet, but here is the disclaimer: lecithin tastes terrible!
   
   That is why I suggest the granule form to you. It is easy to stir them into water, juice, or milk, and drink them down quickly. You could also add them to your Greek yogurt or oatmeal, and not really notice them.
   
   Lecithin is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which, as a general rule, are very under-supplied by our diets, but absolutely essential to brain function and joint health, among other things.
   
   Lecithin is also a very good source of potassium.


5. Buffalo Meat
   Buffalo meat is one of the most under consumed, quality meats out there.
   
   Buffalo is much leaner than most red meats, and the fat that is contained in it is generally high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is very rare for a mammal. On top of that, it is high in potassium, B vitamins, iron, and selenium.
   
   To prepare buffalo is extremely simple. You can make patties, cook steaks, or cook them in strips like fajitas. Whatever way you choose, the max preparation time will be 25 minutes.

Take Care Of Yourself First
Like I said before, our lifestyles do not make it easy to get the quality nutrients we need from our food. Life is busy and hectic, and the only way to make it happen is to decide that you want to take care of yourself, and to get creative in fitting proper nutrition into your day.

You only get one body, take care of it and it will take care of you!