So it’s time to ‘fess up!  Yup, this lady thought she made healthy food choices.  But I learned an important lesson last week.

I always include some good protein in my meals.  But my protein sources didn’t contain much iron.  I chose yogurt, cheese, nuts and seeds and peanut butter as part of my breakfast and lunch.  I had chicken or fish for dinner and occasionally red meat.    

But my blood test revealed extremely low iron levels.  Not good!

Low iron levels mean low energy.  Maybe you know that low energy level too?

I’m taking a good iron supplement.  I notice a difference in my energy level already!  I see the specialist this week to find out why my levels were so low.

But now I want to feed my body iron rich foods!  I want as much energy as I can get! 

How about you?  Want more energy?

When I think iron rich food one meat comes to mind…. liver.  Yucky!  Oh, I still remember having to eat it as a kid and absolutely hating the taste and the texture.  Not going back to that.

A little research turned up some yummy iron rich food choices.  I thought I would share them with you.  Some of them might surprise you too!

I found out that there are two types of iron in our food.  The first is heme iron and this is found in animal products.  Our bodies absorb this iron well. 

The second is non-heme, which is found in plant products.  Our bodies don’t absorb this as well so it’s good to include foods that are rich in Vitamin C with them. 

There are also some foods that are iron fortified like breads and cereals.

Here’s some great heme iron rich foods:

• Red meat (who doesn’t like a good steak?)

• Organ meats

• Pate or liverwurst

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Fish

• Shellfish

• Eggs

Non-heme iron rich foods:

• Spinach – preferably cooked

• Pumpkin and sunflower seeds

• Beans and lentils

• Fortified breakfast cereal

• Potato preferably with the skin

• Dried fruit- raisins and apricots

• Cashews, almonds and pistachios

And here’s some great news!  Dark chocolate, (over 70% cocoa mass) is a great source of iron. 

I melted the dark chocolate and poured it over some pumpkin seeds.  Then I popped it in the freezer until it set.  I have a yummy iron rich snack.

Today’s little step:  Make smart choices with your food.  Try adding some of these iron rich choices.

You are a beautiful daughter of the King!  Every little step you take makes a difference.

Dixie