Iron Rich Foods?

I have recently found out that I am not getting enough iron in my diet- and I think the constant lack of iron is starting to make me tired... not good.

I already eat a lot of leafy green veggies, and beans- but I still am only getting about 40-50% of my RDI of iron.

Does anyone have any suggestions for easily getting iron into my diet, other than pills (which for some reason upset my stomach horribly).

I am not vegan/vegetarian but I also don't have time to cook every day (hence the abundance of raw veggies, nuts, and beans in my diet) so I don't really know what else to add.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

have you had blood tests done to say you are anemic?

I have found that the RDI is not always the amount my body really needs.

however, vitamin C helps your body better absorb iron.

and, coffee & black tea can interfere with iron absorption.

Do you like liver? That is like the highest iron food there is. Also beef, clams, sardines, mackeral, oysters, and oatmeal. And of course beans and grren veggies which you are already eating.

Check your blood before increasing your iron intake. Having too much is also not good for your health. Absorption is another story. Beef, liver are the best sources. I juice vegetables, as raw or even cooked vegetables have a lot of fiber, and hard cell walls that need to be broken, that prevent you from absorbing the nutrients. Cooking in cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens (not enameled) is another way to enrich your food with iron. That was a surprise to me, but I read this information on many reputable websites over the years.

Gojo Berries are a good source of iron (9mg per 100g) and are versatile as they can compliment sweet or savoury dishes as well as hot or cold. Green pea and Goji Berry Pilau Rice is a particular favourite of mine.

rice and oatmeal have iron? Who knew (probably everyone but me, lol)

Just some background, I have had issues with low iron before and I am familiar enough with my body to know that it is low iron. Heck, my hubby was actually the one who mentioned that he thought my iron was getting low and I should be keeping an eye on it- so thank you for everyone who is mentioning the doctor- you are all right however with my background there is no reason for me to go back to the doctor... again... lol!

I hate peas (one of the few veggies I just can't stand) but I will have to try the Gojo berries and sardines- thanks to all for the suggestions!! I am bookmarking this so I can find this information again, you guys are all just fabulous! <3 <3

Reading on here about foods that are good for absorbing iron, and those that can impair..

Eggs contain a compound that impairs absorption of iron. Phosphoprotein called phosvitin is a protein with a iron binding capacity that may be responsible for the low bioavailability of iron from eggs. This iron inhibiting characteristic of eggs is called the “egg factor”. The egg factor has been observed in several separate studies. One boiled egg can reduce absorption of iron in a meal by as much as 28%

Phytate is a compound contained in soy protein and fiber. Even low levels of phytate (about 5 percent of the amounts in cereal whole flours) have a strong inhibitory effect on iron bioavailability. Phytate is found in walnuts, almonds, sesame, dried beans, lentils and peas, and cereals and whole grains. Phytate compounds can reduce iron absorption by 50 to 65 percent.

That’s a bit bad?

I think I might need to read more into this..