Good Afternoon and Happy Sunday Everyone!
This week, I am talking about my favorite subject SUPERFOODS!
I try to add as many Superfoods into my daily diet as possible and recommend you give that a try too. The best part is that is really easy to do and you may have a few of these superfoods in your house right now.
So what makes a food a Superfood?
Superfoods are a special category of foods found in nature. By definition, they are sparse in calories and dense in nutrients, meaning they pack a lot of punch for their weight as far as goodness goes. They are superior sources of antioxidants and essential nutrients we need but cannot make ourselves.
The most important thing for everyone to know is that Superfoods are easy to find in your local supermarket.
Top 10 Superfoods:
1) Apples-
2) Blueberries
3) Beets
4) Avocados
5) Kale
6) Kiwi Fruit
7) Lentils
8) Sweet Potatoes
9) Walnuts
10) Wild Salmon
These nutritional, powerhouse foods are loaded with nutrients crucial to a healthy, long life. If you can include a variety of them in your diet every day, I promise they will change your life!
I have also included a few of my favorite superfoods that you may or may not have tried:
Chia Seeds:
Chia seeds are loaded with omega fats, protein, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They have a mild nutty flavor and, since they absorb liquid, they’re ideal for hydration and feeling full. Check out this recipe for Chia Pudding: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9492/vegan-recipe-banana-strawberry-chia-pudding.html
Hemp Seed:
Hemp is a well-balanced, vegetarian protein source that includes all of the essential amino acids. Not only is hemp one of the best veggie sources of protein, it’s easy for the body to digest and assimilate. Hemp also features plenty of other nutrients, including abundant fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, and omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids. Sprinkle hemp seeds on salads and add them to smoothies for added protein. Just 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds will add 11 grams of protein to your smoothie!
Raw Cacao Nibs:
Nature’s chocolate chips
Cacao nibs are made from pure cacao beans that come straight out of the tropical cacao fruit.Crunchy cacao nibs provide pure chocolate flavor and they’re a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Make a trail mix with shredded coconut, raw cacao nibs, dried cranberries, and pepitas.
Maca:
Maca is a potent, ancient Peruvian superfood highly prized by Incan warriors to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue. Who doesn’t want that? The maca root is known for it’s adaptogenic-like qualities that enable it to nourish and balance the body’s delicate hormone system and to help cope with stress. It also energizes naturally, without the jitters and crashes of caffeine. Add maca to smoothies for an extra energy boost.
Maqui Powder:
The purple Chilean maqui berry is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods. It contains an abundance of vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, anti-aging anthocyanins and polyphenols, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Maqui Powder has a tart, fruity flavor that’s a delicious addition to juices, smoothies, and desserts.
Goji Berries:
Goji Berries provide a number of important macronutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and soluble fiber. There’s even more to this sweet, little, red berry including 18 amino acids, free-radical fighting antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and more than 20 other trace minerals and vitamins. Ounce-for-ounce, goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more iron than soybeans and spinach. Wow! Add these to your morning smoothie or oatmeal bowl, sprinkle them over salad or just munch on these goodies straight up. Delish.
Give one of these Superfoods a try today to super charge your day!
In Health and Happiness,