Introduction to Superfoods

Clean Eating
su·per·food
ˈso͞opərˌfo͞od/
noun
plural noun: superfoods
  1. a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.

chia

Chia Seeds They are among the healthiest foods on the planet and are loaded with nutrients that can have important benefits for your body and brain.

Key Benefits:

  • Deliver a Massive Amount of Nutrients With Very Few Calories
  • Loaded With Antioxidants – Antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which are unpaired electrons that are very reactive and can damage molecules in cells and contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer.
  • High in Quality Protein – Much higher than most plant foods. Protein is the most weight loss friendly macronutrient and can drastically reduce appetite and cravings. They also contain a good balance of essential amino acids, so our bodies can make use of the protein in them.
  • Lowers The Risk of Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes – Given that chia seeds are high in fiber, protein and Omega-3s, they improve metabolic health. They can significantly lower blood pressure and a marker for inflammation.
  • High in Many Important Bone Nutrients – Higher than most dairy products. Chia seeds are high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein. All of these nutrients are essential for bone health.
  • High in Fiber – Almost all of the carbohydrates in chia seeds are fiber. Fiber has many benefits such as, helps maintain bowel health, lowers cholesterol levels, helps control blood sugar levels, and aids in achieving a healthy weight. Chia’s stabilizing effect on blood sugar also fights insulin resistance which can be tied to an increase in belly fat.
  • Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Important for brain health!

Chia seeds are incredibly easy to incorporate into your diet. They can be eaten raw, made into puddings, or added to baked goods. You can also sprinkle them on top of oatmeal, yogurt, and vegetables. They can be used to thicken sauces and even used as binding ingredient in recipes.

acai

Açaí Powder Açaí is a berry commonly found in the rain forests of the Amazon. This antioxidant-rich fruit has been heralded for centuries as a healing, immune-stimulating, energy-boosting fruit.

Key Benefits:

  • Improves Heart Health – Research shows that açaí berries are extremely high in anthocyanins, a form of plant antioxidant associated with the ability to lower cholesterol levels in the blood stream. Açaí reduces levels of the components of metabolic disease, including glucose and insulin levels and cholesterol.
  • Promotes Healthy Skin – Açaí powder is one of the most effective natural skin treatments on our planet that not only combats unpleasant skin conditions, but it also actively prevents unwelcome fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Good for Your Eyes – Improves night vision, boosts circulation within the capillaries of the retina, reduces the risk of retinopathy in diabetics, and provides protection against macular degeneration (loss of vision).
  • Boosts the Immune System – Helps the immune system to function at a higher level and increase the strength of attack against illness.

Açaí powder can be blended directly into your favorite smoothies, shakes, protein drinks, and juices or used as an ingredient in delicious puddings and desserts. My favorite are Açaí Bowls!

goji

Goji Berries Goji berries are high in vitamin C and fiber, and low in calories. Their history as a medicinal plant has roots in ancient China, where goji berries still are used to treat eye, liver, and kidney ailments.

Key Benefits:

  • Goji berries are high in vitamin C and fiber, and low in calories. They are also a good source of iron and vitamin A.
  • Promotes Healthy Skin – Goji berries are loaded with beta-carotene, a pigment found in plants and fruits, which aids in improving your skin.
  • High in Antioxidants – Antioxidants protect cells against breaking down when they are exposed to elements like smoke and radiation. These antioxidants fight against cell damage that results from inflammation from free radicals, preventing the likelihood of cancerous tumor development. With their healthy levels of antioxidants, they are high in fiber and low in unhealthy fats.
  • Aids in Weight Loss – Their rich, sweet taste, along with their high fiber content, provides a feeling of fullness that can keep you from overeating and packing on the pounds.

You can eat them raw or soak them in hot water, so they soften up. You can add them to smoothies or as a garnish on oatmeal, salads or yogurts. Basically, goji berries can be baked, cooked, steamed, and processed in any way.

I’ve been loving incorporating these superfoods into my recipes lately! I do notice that after eating them, I feel fuller for a longer period of time and more energetic. I highly recommend these particular ones that I purchased. They can be found on Amazon for a reasonable price compared to what you’ll find in store.

The Ultimate Clean Eating Grocery List

Clean Eating
The Basics of Veganism: Building a Healthy Vegan Grocery List | Vegan Resources | ilovevegan.com

Looking and feeling healthy come from a combination of regular exercise and smart eating habits. Healthy clean eating starts with stocking your kitchen and pantry with the right foods. I decided to piece together my absolute staples when I head to the grocery store. The foods below aren’t the ONLY clean foods in the world, but are simply my favorite clean foods that I personally enjoy and would recommend.

My body responds well to clean eating and makes me feel energetic while keeping me full! I’ve noticed when I have my cheat meals, most of the time my body does not respond well afterwards. I try to fill my plate with mostly veggies, followed by lean proteins, and then occasionally some carbs (like brown rice or quinoa) if I feel like having them. This is a balanced and very healthy meal that will surely cleanse your system. You can use my list below to come up with meals that work for you!

TIP: The fewer ingredients an item has, the “wholer” it is, as in less processed. Try to purchase items with five or six ingredients at the most.

Veggies & Fruits

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
  • Carrots
  • Dark Leafy Greens (Kale, spinach)
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Bell Peppers
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Lemons
  • Avocado

For fruits and veggies, pretty much anything in season is safe! Try to stay away from fruits that are high in sugar, such as mangoes, cherries, and grapes.

Lean Proteins

  • Lean Ground Turkey
  • Chicken Breasts
  • Salmon, Tilapia, or other fish
  • Eggs
  • Non- or Low-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt (great substitute for mayo)
  • Low-Fat Cheese
  • Shrimp
  • Tuna
Lean options are a good source of the protein that builds lean muscles, which burn more calories.

Grains (The Good Carbs)

  • Brown Rice
  • 100% Whole Wheat Pasta
  • 100% Whole Wheat Bread
  • 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas
  • Quinoa
  • Oatmeal
Avoid any white grain because white flour is stripped of nutrients, making it an empty source of calories.

Canned/Jarred Foods

  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • Tomato Paste
  • Tomato Sauce
These foods often make meal prep easier. Always read labels to make sure you’re purchasing items with no or little added sugar, salt, or preservatives.

Oils & Condiments

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • Mustard, no sugar added
  • Ketchup, naturally sweetened
  • All Natural Peanut Butter
  • Apple Cider Vinegar

Herbs & Spices

  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Parsley
  • Cumin
  • Chili Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Powder

Herbs and spices are essential to clean eating because they are ultimately what gives your food flavor!

Beans & Legumes

  • Red Kidney Beans
  • Edamame (great snack)
These are a healthy and budget-friendly protein source.

Sweeteners

  • Honey
  • 100% Pure Maple Sugar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Stevia

Processed sugar is a fast way to add pounds and wreak havoc on your health. Go natural instead!

Snacks

  •  Raw Almonds
  •  Hummus
  •  Popcorn (no butter)
As 2015 approaches, make positive changes! I hope this list helps you start! Remember, try to bake, steam, or grill every chance you get. Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, along with these foods, and you’ll be feeling great!

Twist on a Quick and Easy Breakfast

Clean Eating

 
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{Here’s what you’ll need:}

1/2 red bell pepper

cooked quinoa (enough to fill 2/3 of the pepper)

1 egg (I suggest using one at room temperature for quicker cooking)

{How to cook:}

Preheat oven at 375 degrees F. Take the seeds and membranes out of the red bell pepper. Fill pepper 2/3 full with the cooked quinoa and crack the egg over it. Pour 1/3 cup water in to a deep baking dish (I made my own out of foil) and place the pepper in it. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. I seasoned mine with a little bit of black pepper and low-sodium soy sauce. Enjoy!