Some Foods to Try

What do you think when you hear the term superfood?  Do you think oh, something I must try!  Or ar you more:  oh, now what?  Honestly, I tend to lean toward the latter.  I think certain foods become the darling of media attention and then we find that maybe they're not all they have been purported to be or that they become so popular that less scrupulous versions of the item start coming out. 

Take coconut water.  I love it and I do think it's good for rehydrating after a good run or a hard workout.   I like to incorporate it into green smoothies as well.  It has some electrolytes in it and, as long as you're buying the unsweetened variety, it's relatively low in calories. Do I think it should replace water?  No.  Water has no calories and is hydrating enough for most work outs.  I do think it's better for your body than most sports drinks on the market.  As an fyi:  It's also good for a hangover. 

Below are a few other superfoods that you may not be aware of.  I am comfortable recommending to my clients and I use them myself.  They are all tasty and easy to incorporate into your diet. 

Cacao Nibs:  partially ground cacao beans.  An unsweetened chocolate that gives you an energy boost without caffeine.  They are high in antioxidants as well as trace minerals magnesium and iron.

Bee Pollen:  made from bees as they go from flower to flower.  It's high in vitamins, protein, minerals and amino acids.  It's recommended in the Beauty Solution by Kimberly Snyder.  She also recommends it when drizzled with unrefined coconut oil, it's definitely an energy boost.  Note:  if you are allergic to bees do not use!

Unrefined Coconut Oil:  This oil consists of 90% raw saturated fat – a rare and important building block of every cell in the body.  Unlike long-chain saturated animal fats, coconut oil contains healthy, healing, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).  MCTs support the immune system, the thyroid gland, the nervous system, the skin, and they provide fast energy as well. 

Chia Seeds:  Yes, this is what chia plants are made of.  Chia has a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids which keep joints supple.  Chia also provides a good amount of fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, niacin and zinc.  They are a bit gelatinous and thicken up smoothies or can be used to make pudding.

Maca Powder:  Maca root is native to the Andres of Bolivia and Peru, where it’s been used to increase energy, combat stress, increase stamina and to boost libido.  It contains plant sterols, essential minerals, amino acids and healthy fats.

Raw Honey:  Anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal.  It’s tasty, sweet, and a little goes a long way.

A few ways to incorporate these foods are to add them to your morning oatmeal, to yogurt or in a smoothie.  There are a bunch of recipes that call for these ingredients as well so be creative and feel your energy soar.

If you are interested in learning more please leave a comment below, email me at janinemchale@empoweredplate.com or visit my website:  http://empoweredplate.com/.  I am happy to work with you in your journey toward a healthier lifestyle.