Superfoods you should incorporate in your diet:
Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods that are considered beneficial for your health due to their high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.
Combine these superfoods with a variety of other whole foods to ensure you're getting a wide range of nutrients. Also, be mindful of portion sizes and any individual dietary restrictions or allergies you may have.
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other berries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are low in calories and provide important nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate.
Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are part of the cruciferous vegetable family. They contain compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat are examples of whole grains that provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes are high in fiber, protein, and various nutrients. They are also a good source of plant-based protein.
Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Green tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins and is believed to have various health benefits, including improved brain function and a lower risk of certain diseases.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or higher) is a source of antioxidants and may have positive effects on heart health and mood.
Avocado: Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They also provide a good source of potassium.
Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a protein-rich food that also contains beneficial probiotics, calcium, and vitamin B12.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.
Garlic: Garlic contains sulfur compounds that have been associated with potential health benefits, including immune support and cardiovascular health.
Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used to aid digestion and relieve nausea.
Seaweed: Seaweed, such as nori, kelp, and spirulina, is a rich source of minerals like iodine, as well as antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
Pomegranate: Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. They are also a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
Cacao: Raw cacao is the purest form of chocolate and is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and minerals. It can be enjoyed as nibs, powder, or in dark chocolate form.
Quinoa: Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that provides a complete source of protein, along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat option, particularly extra virgin olive oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or used as an egg substitute in recipes.
Beets: Beets are rich in antioxidants and are known for their vibrant color. They also contain nitrates, which have been shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure and exercise performance.
Matcha: Matcha is a powdered form of green tea and is known for its high concentration of antioxidants. It provides a calm energy boost and can be enjoyed as a tea or added to smoothies and baked goods.
Algae: Algae, such as spirulina and chlorella, are nutrient-dense foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are often consumed in powdered or supplement form.
Fermented foods: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha are rich in beneficial probiotics that support gut health and digestion.
Maca: Maca is a root vegetable native to the Andes and is often consumed in powdered form. It is known for its potential hormone-balancing properties and is commonly used as an adaptogen.
Goji berries: Goji berries are small red berries that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can be enjoyed as a snack or added to smoothies and oatmeal.
Hemp seeds: Hemp seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and iron. They can be sprinkled on salads, yogurt, or blended into smoothies.
Moringa: Moringa is a nutrient-dense plant that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is often consumed as a powder or used in tea.
Mushrooms: Certain mushrooms, such as shiitake, reishi, and maitake, have immune-boosting properties and are rich in antioxidants. They can be cooked and added to various dishes.
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teas you should include in your diet and some of their benefits
green tea
antioxidant promotes fat burning, improves physical performance, accelerates metabolism, relaxes, improves mental focus and concentration, acts as a neuroprotective, is good against stomach diseases, improves the quality of life.
red tea
helps to lose weight, increases energy, aids digestion, reduces stress, strengthens the immune system.
black tea
is an antioxidant, ideal to be consumed before meals, as it prepares the digestive system to work properly, protects the immune system, prevents tooth decay and oral diseases, reduces stress, activates the mind, improves concentration and memory, diuretic.
white tea
this tea variety highest in antioxidants cares for the skin, moisturizes the skin, perfect anti-aging drink, is good for oral health, helps to lose weight, eliminates bad breath.
lavender tea
helps sleep, relieves menstrual cramps, improves skin health, helps with stomach problems, relieves headaches, is very relaxing.
jasmine tea
helps against stress and tension, reduces the chances of colds and flu, helps to lose weight, helps to improve circulation.
ginger tea
relieves inflammation, improves brain function, relieves menstrual cramps, regulates blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol levels, and promotes healthy digestive systems.
matcha tea
burns fat, provides energy, can help reduce anxiety, improves skin, improves concentration, improves oral health, quenches hunger and quenches thirst naturally.
how many cups of tea to drink per day? 3 at the most
when do i drink tea? sometimes in the morning, but i usually drink it after lunch and dinner.
remember that teas do not replace meals, they only complement to improve our health.
and it is much more recommendable if you get natural tea since its benefits are more potent.
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Sky, first of all, let me congratulate you on reaching 250 followers! You are an absolute star and seeing all your fantastic accomplishments is a sight to behold!💖💖😊 Second, I think I would like a matcha green tea with kitchen sink from the ice cream truck please! Specifically, kitty acquisition!🐈😻 Thank you so very much and keep being awesome! :)
Order up!! One matcha green tea with everything but the kitchen sink for Cas!!
Sky's Summer and 250 Follower Event!
☾ Pairing ➼ Levi Ackerman x gn!Reader
☾ Content/Warnings ➼ modernAU, alluded animal abuse (very very little!), cat dad!Levi, kitty adoption, fluff, established relationship
☾ A/N ➼ Hi Cas!! Thank you so much for sending this request in, it's so cute!! The kitty acquisition line is so funny even tho it took me ages to understand what you meant (my fault). Just imagining him being soft to animals that need love?? UGH I WANT HIM. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!! 💕 (Also I hope you're hanging in there still! Tropical storms are so scary and I'm sending you all the best wishes and vibes your way)
☾ Word Count ➼ ~2.9k
Levi is always really good at keeping surprises from you. No amount of pestering nor poking would make him relent his deepest darkest secrets. Even when you pulled the birthday card and asked for even the smallest of hints, he didn’t budge.
You suppose that wasn’t the worst thing, but you’d be lying to yourself if you said you weren’t the littlest peeved at it even though you knew it would benefit you in the long run.
So, when Levi blindfolded you the moment you both buckled into his car for the afternoon, you can’t help but sigh heavily. He told you to dress casually and you both skipped lunch, so you knew he was taking you out to eat.
Why he wouldn’t show you where he was taking you though was beyond you. You knew this town like the back of your hand so where could he even take you that you wouldn't know?
“Levi, you’ve kept me on my toes for a whole month. At least tell me something about it?” You whine. The speakers around you play the shared playlist you and Levi had made together in an effort to stop fighting over who got the music that day – the rule being each artist would get 5 songs each. You managed to swing 10 for a couple artists, which of course was met with an eye roll.
“You’ve waited one month. What’s another 15 minutes?” He grumbles next to you. You feel his hand sit on your thigh and squeeze your flesh gently.
“Just one teeny-tiny smidgen?”
“Fine. I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“What do you mean?”
“You said one small thing. That’s all you get.” There’s a hint of a smirk in his voice, which only makes you huff quietly.
There are a few turns and stops here and there but eventually, you feel the car slow to a stop before hearing Levi moving the gear stick into park. He turns the car off, the jingling of keys filling up the now empty space.
"Are you ready?" He asks off to the side.
"Yes!" Then you feel his long fingers hooking into the blindfold and tugging up and out of your eyes then over your head.
It takes a few hard blinks before your vision can make sense of the brightness around you. At first you notice you’re in front of some sort of shopping center. Upon further investigation, you’re in front of a café.
There are big, wide glass windows on the entire exterior wall, littered with various paw prints and cat vinyl stickers. On one of the windows reads ‘Whiskers Perch’ with a cat paw holding up a steaming mug of something. Your first thought is it’s a cat themed café but then your eyes snap to movement right below the name – it’s a tabby cat doing the biggest stretch known to man.
This isn’t just a cat themed café.
This is a cat café.
And Levi took you here for your birthday because you’ve always wanted to visit one of these.
“Oh my, Levi..” Your voice trails off as you look over to your boyfriend of many years. He’s eyeing you cautiously as he gauges your reaction. You give him a wide smile and lean over to kiss him on the cheek softly.
“This is the best thing ever! I see why you wanted to wait to show me.” You can’t hold back the squeal that comes out as you unbuckle yourself from the seat. Levi softly huffs in amusement next to you as he does the same.
When you and Levi walk in, you’re met immediately by a hostess wearing a long apron and cute pink top. She smiles at you both as she looks up from the pad in her hand.
“Hi! Welcome! What name is your reservation under?” Her pretty eyes bounce between the two of you.
“Ackerman.” Levi says. The hostess’ eyes trail down her pad before releasing a small ‘ah!’ and marking something down.
“Great, looks like you booked for an hour and fifteen. Follow me this way!” She chirps as she sits the pad down on the wooden podium.
As the hostess leads you to your reserved spot, you don’t hesitate to ogle at everything around you. The café is quite large, which you wouldn’t have guessed from just the outside alone. There’s one central lobby where cats freely roam – either sleeping on the many towers or playing with each other and the miscellaneous toys lying about. You don’t spot the patrons right away but as you move further in, you notice there are semi-enclosed rooms lining the outer walls.
Each room has an archway as an entrance, kept wide open so that cats and patrons can come and go, and above each door is a number – the max going to 24. Most of the booths are filled with multiple people, all eating and drinking with cats lingering around them. The best thing about the little enclosed alcoves was that the noise level is minimum.
She takes you to an alcove off to the left, labeled number 8.
“Your waiter will be with you momentarily. Please take a few minutes to read through the rules if you haven’t already.” She smiles widely at the two of you as you settle in before taking off back to the front.
There are a couple small menus in front of you and you reach over to pick them up. One is a menu for food and drinks and the other is a rules list.
1. Be gentle – no tugging or pulling.
2. No loud noises.
3. Do not pick up the cats – let them come to you.
4. Do not share the food/drinks with the cats.
5. Cats are cats, we are not held liable for any damage they may cause you.
6. If there’s any emergency, do not hesitate to alert a team member.
7. Feel free to take pictures and have fun!
8. Some cats may be up for adoption – please ask a team member if you might be interested.
A lot of these rules are common sense, though you can't blame them for reiterating them for those who need it. The last rule catches your eye and you find yourself flicking your gaze up and over the menu to Levi. He’s busy looking at the drink menu and pays you no mind. Is this why he said this was a bad idea?
“Are there any teas you want to try?” Levi asks over to you, his eyes still glued to the laminated menu in his hands.
“You’re the tea connoisseur, I trust you.” You shrug your shoulders as your eyes graze the menu in front of you. The teas had fancy names with their blends underneath and truth be told, it was all a little overwhelming. Best to leave it to Levi, you think. But the food…
Your waiter comes by a few moments later to take the orders, dropping off a teapot and a couple of cups right after. As Levi stirs the leaves around, you take this chance to stare out to the lobby. There are a myriad of cats running about but none paying much mind – except for a small jet black one sitting high in one of the cat towers.
Bright yellow eyes stare into yours from far away. You can’t see much of him as he’s tucked in high, but from what you can see, there are a few nicks in his ears and his face is quite round. Besides his eyes, everything is dark – like a black void. He only sits and stares at the two of you, despite you trying to coax him to come closer.
“Levi, I think this one is plotting our murder.” You mutter, pointing towards the dark void.
“Well, it is a cat. That’s just how they are.” Levi says back jokingly. Satisfied with the steeping time, he pours a dark red liquid into the cups before sliding yours over to you so you can make it up as you like with the ingredients offered. Levi leans back with his cup in hand, the way he always does, and takes a careful sip as he eyes you doing the same.
The flavor is wonderful, and you can’t even begin to categorize the different notes. It’s sweet and floral, almost earthy in tones – with a light spice. Levi always knew how to pick a good tea. You lean back in your seat and sigh in content.
“This is good.” You say finally, setting the cup and saucer back down on to the table with a clink.
“It’s not half bad.”
“Not half bad? That’s some high praise from Levi Ackerman.” You joke, raising an eyebrow at him.
Suddenly there’s a shift in weight on your booth as a large short-haired orange cat leaps onto it. It’s tan striped with a few white spots across his face. Wide hazel eyes stare up at you.
Mrrooww!
“Oh look at you!” You coo down as you place your hand on his head and start scratching. His fur is soft and you feel his body vibrating under you as he purrs loudly. Trailing your fingers down his red collar, you pinch the tag between two fingers and lean down for a closer look.
“Milo huh? You are such a cuties.” You whisper down to him. He lets you pet his back a couple more times before circling around and lying down next to you. His eyes are closed instantly, deciding this is his new napping spot. You place your hand on his soft belly and pet it, eliciting more purrs.
You and Levi fill the time before the food came with talks of what you’d like to do that evening. As cats came for face rubs and left with happy purrs, you ultimately decide you want to stay home and make dinner together then maybe settle in with a movie. Levi, of course, agreed easily as he was not one who liked to be out at night anyways – but he was always willing if you wanted it. The idea of going out for your birthday became less appealing as the years came and went. Well, with the exception of the cat café, of course.
The next time your eyes survey the lobby is after the waiter comes by to pick the empty plates in front of you. You immediately spot the same black cat from earlier. He’s much closer this time, sitting back on his hind legs with his front paws barely passing through the arch. Those electric eyes stare up but not at you. They’re staring straight at Levi, who stops talking to look over once he realizes your attention is no longer on the conversation.
“Levi, I think the murder he’s plotting is yours.” You say quietly. An attempt to ‘pspsps’ is made but to no avail. Not even a glance is thrown your way. The cat slowly blinks before standing up on all fours and leaving.
“If I go missing, you’ll know it was him.” Levi says back dryly.
You snort at that as your hands reach down under the table to pet the long white fur belonging to a Himalayan cat that had laid claim to your lap halfway through your meal. You don’t fight the urge to boop the soft pink nose of your new friend. A baby blue eye cracks open at you from the sudden touch but she just curls up even more on your legs, stretching her paws out to show you matching soft pink beans.
“How much time do we have left, do you think?” You ask Levi as you look up at him. He’s watching you intently with those dark eyes of his and there’s a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he does.
“About another 20 minutes.” He glances at his phone screen to check the time. You peep the screen and notice his background is a picture of you sitting on the central fountain in your town’s square, mid-laugh as you try hide from the camera. It was taken a few weeks ago and you wonder how long he’s had it like that. It’s intriguing considering he always kept the original images that came with the phone upon first purchasing it, but you don’t press.
There’s a soft ding to the right of you and when you look down, you see that the black cat is back – this time with a small silver toy in his mouth. It seems to be a bell attached to a string. In a swift motion, he jumps up to Levi’s booth and sets it down next to Levi before sitting back on his haunches and staring up into Levi’s startled eyes.
This is the first cat to approach Levi the entire time you have been there. And he was brought a gift no less. You find yourself quietly giggling at the sight and don’t hesitate to snap a picture of their stare off.
mew
The quiet mewl he makes melts your heart immediately.
“He brought you dinner.” You say softly.
“She, actually.” The waiter that had left with the check earlier is back now, setting the black book and pen down in front of Levi. “She’s unusually quiet for her breed, so it’s nice to see her so open with a patron. What did you do?”
“I didn’t do anything.” Levi grumbles, taking the pen and signing the merchant receipt in his neat handwriting.
“Can I ask what kind of cat she is? And what happened to her?” You eye the nicks in her ears. There are a few chunks taken out, all fully healed.
“She’s a rescue. Before coming here, she was locked in a cage at all times. You see, she’s a bombay so you can imagine what they held her for. They’re quite rare.” The waiter says sadly. They perk up quickly though, and smiles over to Levi. “But she’s really taken a liking to you.”
Levi carefully reaches over and his hand hovers over her head in hesitation. She initially pulls back and you can see the gears in her head rolling as she considers Levi. She opts to sniff his hand and that’s it.
They do look good together, you think.
“Can I ask- is she up for adoption?” Levi’s eyes snap to yours.
“We don’t have room for a cat right now.” He mutters quietly.
“Shush.” You wave your hand at him before turning your attention back to the waiter.
“She is! Would like me to get the paperwork?”
“Now hold on a minute-“
“Levi, look how much she likes you!” You stretch your arms out to the black cat who had not moved a muscle during this whole interaction. Yellow eyes blink slowly up at Levi.
“That doesn’t refute the fact that we barely have the space nor time to take care of her.”
“We’ll make room. Besides, I work from home so I can keep an eye on her!”
Levi says your name with exasperation, narrowing his gaze at you.
“She needs a home.” You say, and even more quietly, “Plus, it’s my birthday.”
“You’re impossible.” He grumbles before turning his attention back to black cat next to him. There’s no collar around her neck. “What’s her name?” He asks, looking up to the waiter.
“She never came with one nor did she answer to one.” The waiter purses his lips.
“Would you like to come home with us?” Levi asks gently to the cat. You swear you see her round eyes widen as another quiet mewl escapes her. His expression has softened considerably and the tone he uses makes your heart jump. It's all laced with adoration. Slowly raising your phone up, you take another photo.
Levi straightens up and clears his throat before raking his fingers through his hair as he thinks. His eyes slide over to you, almost as if he was checking one more time if this is really what you want. You give him two thumbs up.
“Fine, bring me the paperwork.”
Half an hour later, the adoption papers were official and you are both sitting in his car, the silence almost deafening. Your new family member curls up in the carrier that was provided to you to take, and you turn around in your seat to watch her sleep.
“Are you mad?” You whisper over to Levi.
“No.” Levi turns the keys, the car rumbling to life right away.
“Are you sure?” You bite your lip nervously.
“Yes, I’m not mad. Just-“ He looks over to you. “This is our first pet together. I’m…”
“Levi, are you nervous?”
“No. Maybe. I don’t know.” Levi grips the steering wheel and puts the gear in reverse. He checks the rearview mirror for any oncoming traffic, his gaze dipping down to the black cat in the backseat.
“You’re going to be a great cat dad, Levi.” You smile over at him. He just sighs softly as he pulls out of the parking spot, eyes alert to anything that might come in his blindspots.
“We’ll see. Have you thought of a name?”
“I was thinking Bleptholomew.” You say back with confidence.
“Absolutely fucking not.” He says quickly, eyes cutting over to you from the mirror. “Besides, that sounds like a boy's name.”
“Pft, cats can be named anything. They don’t believe in gendered names.” You cross your arms over your chest with a fake pout.
“Anything else?”
“Frankie?”
As Levi drives out of the parking lot and into the busy street, he reaches over and gives your thigh a squeeze.
“Frankie it is.”
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