Let’s start out by defining what “Superfoods” exactly are, cause lets face it, most of us don’t have a clue on what these foods even are! A few years back when I went vegan I had a hard enough time trying to figure out what I could/couldn’t eat (label reading gotta love it) and finding my way through health food stores ( I was a total mess) that if someone would have said incorporate this “superfood” into my diet, I would have look at them with a blank WTH stare on my face…I wouldn’t have had a clue. Can you relate? If so, no need to worry your Hot Moody Mess head of yours, I have you covered, this post is all about the wonderful world of SUPERFOODS!
Ok ladies, first off, superfoods are not what we reach for when we are having a bad day,crying over the jerk who did us wrong or when we are having PMS! Even though those foods help get us through some tough times ( hey, we all need comfort foodies every once in awhile… and bubbly)! Superfoods are the most potent, nutrient dense, super-concentrated foods on the planet. They are amazing sources of antioxidants (hello younger looking skin) and have essential nutrients that we need but simply can’t make ourselves. The best way that I have found to incorporate them into a daily diet is by blending them into a smoothie or a personal fav of mine, tofu pancake or scramble ( both recipes can be found under “The Food” tab).
So here are my top superfoods, in no particular order… no favoritism here! I love all my superfoods equally!
The name says it all. I hear maca and I think Big, Explosive, Hot. You? So it’s only fitting that this superfood increases your energy, endurance, strength and libido.(ooh la la) Dried maca contains more than 10% protein and nearly 20 amino acids.This is always a must ingredient in my smoothies.
These aren’t just your typical berries, these little ones pack so much nutrients you would be Goji Crazy not to incorporate them into your daily routine. Just to give you an idea, they contain 18 different kinds of amino acids, high amounts of antioxidants, B and E vitamins, up to 21 trace minerals and iron and are linked to longevity! (my goodness that’s a lot of goodness)Throw them in your smoothies or toss them over a salad or mix them in your tofu pancakes!
Hemp me a scoop of this please! Hemp contains 33% pure digestible protein and is rich in iron, amino acids, Omega-3 and vitamin E.
Cha Cha Cha Chia, Cha Cha Cha Chia…no, I am not talking about those Chia pets that used to be uber famous…I am talking about the actual seed itself. This little seed has lots to offer. Besides being rich in Omega -3 and Omega-6 fatty acids , which is great for all of us plant heads, since Omega-3 is the healthy acid found in fish, but they are also rich in protein, vitamin B complex, biotin, calcium, potassium and fiber.
Get your Flax on ladies! Flax seeds are your superfoods go-to! You can throw these babies in anything since they come in both whole and ground forms. Flax is high in Omega-3, fiber and lignans (which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Flax seeds contains 75-800 times more lignans than other plant foods). Studies have shown that flax can help fight cancer and help reduce existing conditions for asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
OMG! Raw Vegan Chocolate, Oh My! Raw cacao is the highest antioxidant dense food on the PLANET! Cacao has more antioxidants than any food tested so far, including blueberries, red wine, black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea. Also improves cardiovascular health and elevates mood/energy… no Hot Moody Messes here!
Under the sea…..and I am not talking about Memo and his friends. Sea vegetables were definitely a new one for me when I first saw them. I had no idea what to do with them. When I say sea veggies I am meaning, kelp, dulce, nori, chlorella etc. They are rich nutrients drawn from the ocean and sun. They help remove metals, provide trace minerals, regulate immunity and decrease the risk of cancer. These veggies benefit the entire body. I love to use dulce flakes as seasoning…sprinkle them them over tofu scrambles and salads, etc.
Ok, so there you have it. These are just a few of my top superfoods that I use on a daily basis and are easy to start using when you are new to this world. I know it can be overwhelming, so take it slow. My recommendation would be to start incorporating at least one of these into your daily routine and build from there. These foods are great for you but they can also be a little costly and there is not way around that. So start small and then build from there. Flax would be my first pick, followed by maca and cacao! You can find all of these at your nearest natural foods store or online.