You don’t have to sacrifice flavor or variety to eat healthfully. In fact, two types of foods can help you fight disease and live longer – and they come in many delicious varieties.

According to cardiovascular health expert Dr. Shah, as reported in Men’s Health m agazine, these two super- food groups are:

1. Inflammation-fighting cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, arugula, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, collards, daikon, horseradish, kale, mustard greens, rutabagas, turnips, radishes, and watercress.

2. Blood pressure lowering berries, including blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

Dr. Shah recommends that you indulge in both food groups daily – at least half a cup of crucifers and half a cup of berries.

You’ll find that these fruits and veggies are ideal for mixing with other healthy foods. I especially like raw broccoli with hummus – and I include blueberries in all my breakfasts (whether with oatmeal, oat groats, or nuts).

Twice a week, I stock up on:

• 2 pints of blueberries
• 6 bananas
• 6 red delicious apples
• 6 pears
• 2 grapefruits
• 1 watermelon
• 2 bunches of broccoli
• 2 red peppers
• 1 orange pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 1 green pepper
• 2 avocados
• mushrooms
• a bag of baby spinach

With so much to choose from during the summer months, you should have no trouble getting a daily dose of inflammation fighters, blood pressure reducers, and vitamins that your body needs to stay strong and free of disease.

[Ed. Note: Eating the right foods is only one aspect of losing fat and staying healthy. You also need to exercise regularly. Fitness expert Craig Ballantyne can help you burn fat and build muscle with three 45-minute workouts a week. Learn how right here.

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