Tag Archive | Smoothies

What are Superfoods?

What are Superfoods

 

Okay, let’s keep it SIMPLE. Superfoods are a special category of nutrient-rich foods considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. By definition, they are sparse in calories and dense in nutrients, meaning they pack a lot of punch for their weight. They are superior sources of antioxidants and essential nutrients we need but cannot make ourselves. They have been linked to combating auto immune disorders, cancer and depression. Along with protecting your body from free radicals!!

The most important thing for everyone to know is that superfoods are easy to find in every local supermarket and local farmers markets. They’re worth looking for and incorporating into your nutritional plan! Do an Internet search and you will find a number of “top 10 superfood” lists. Be sure to validate their reliability. In the meantime, here is a very short list of some of my favorites!!

1)    Apples

2)    Blueberries

3)    Beets

4)    Avocados

5)    Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard

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.

I have also included a few of my favorite superfoods that you may or may not have tried:

Chia Seeds:
Ancient cultures throughout Central America have long enjoyed chia seeds as a key part of their food and medicine. The seeds were even used as currency. Chia seeds (http://www.sunfood.com/chia-seeds-1lb-organic-raw.html) 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.

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 (http://www.sunfood.com/nuts-seeds/hemp-seeds/hemp-seeds-shelled-1lb-raw-organic.html) 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 (http://www.sunfood.com/food/cacao-chocolate-cocoa/cacao-nibs-1lb-organic-raw.html) are made from pure cacao beans that come straight out of the tropical cacao fruit. Cacao was a culinary treasure to Mesoamericans for thousands of years and touted as the “Food of the Gods” for its superior nutritional profile and exceptional flavor. Make a trail mix with shredded coconut, raw cacao nibs, dried cranberries, and a nut of your choice.

Maca:
Maca is a potent, ancient Peruvian superfood highly prized by Incan warriors to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue. The maca root was prized throughout the Incan empire for its adaptogenic-like qualities that enable it to nourish and balance the body’s delicate endocrine system and to help cope with stress. It also energizes naturally, without the jitters and crashes of caffeine, and it can aid in reproductive function, helping to balance hormones and increase fertility. Add maca (http://www.sunfood.com/food/maca/maca-16-oz-1lb-raw-organic.html) 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. Sunfood Maqui Powder (http://www.sunfood.com/food/maqui-berry/maqui-berry-powder-8oz-organic-raw.html) 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 including zinc, iron, phosphorus, and riboflavin (B2). Ounce-for-ounce, goji berries (http://www.sunfood.com/food/goji-berries/goji-berries-1-lb-organic-raw.html) contain more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more iron than soybeans and spinach. Munch on these goodies as your afternoon snack.

Give one of these superfoods a try today to super charge your day!

Yours in health and happiness,

Kasey

Smoothies for breakfast? Yes! I go GREEN! (PLUS DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE EBOOK!)

9 Smoothies that will change your life_promotionBreakfast is the most important meal of the day, and sometimes it just doesn’t fit into our schedule the way it should. How we begin the day will determine how the rest of the day goes. It will determine if we feel energized or if we feel dragging with a lack of energy. What we put in our bellies is directly related to how we physically feel. So if you are a skip breakfast and grab the coffee mug morning person then this blog is for you!

We all need and crave energy. I know I do! Sometimes it is so easy to want to grab a quick bowl of cereal or even forget breakfast and just get through the morning on 1-2 cups of coffee for the energy needed to survive the day. I don’t want you to just survive through the day though; I want you to thrive through the day. I also don’t want you to go on the “crash and crave” roller coaster for the entire day. If you begin your morning with caffeinated coffee and sugar, you will crash, and you will be either too tired to make it through your responsibilities or you will be reaching for another cup of coffee to get through a few more hours.

Smoothies are another quick alternative to a fast breakfast that can help energize us throughout the entire day. It takes minutes to toss in some greens, a little fruit, heart healthy seeds and liquid, like coconut water, to feel energetic and get ready to take on the day. Starting the day with a smoothie also gives you well needed antioxidants which help protect our bodies from free radicals, and it is a great low glycemic start. Eating a low glycemic breakfast will help curb your sugar cravings for the entire day and it will also help with not crashing.

What is my smoothie of choice in the morning? Liquid Energy (see recipe below)! And to get a healthy dose of omega-3 and magnesium I often add 1-2 tbsps of chia seeds (http://www.sunfood.com/chia-seeds-1lb-organic-raw.html) and 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (http://www.sunfood.com/pumpkin-seeds-austrian-8oz-organic-heirloom.html). You can also add 1/2 of a small green apple! YUMMMMM!!!

LIQUID ENERGY:

1 1/2 cups dairy free milk (almond, coconut or hemp) or coconut water
1/4 cup frozen or fresh pineapple
1 cup lacinto kale or spinach
handful of parsley
1/4-inch fresh ginger root
Juice of 1 lemon

Next time you want a quick breakfast, try a delicious smoothie from this FREE eBOOK that will leave you feeling energized and motivated. A morning smoothie will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to produce natural energy and naturally boost your metabolism. So, what are you reaching for tomorrow morning? I know I will be pulling out my blender and getting ready for some long lasting energy!!!

Yours in health and happiness,
Kasey