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.

Twist on a Quick and Easy Breakfast

Clean Eating

 
2013-06-13 20.46.33

2013-06-13 21.30.58

2013-06-13 21.26.33

{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!

Lettuce Eat

Clean Eating

It’s May 18 and there are 9 days until the pool opens. 35 days until my beach vacation. 69 days until my NYC trip. 91 days until the night that may possibly be the best night of my life, The Backstreet Boys concert and VA beach. Some of these things are probably more of an incentive to get sexy than others, but all are great motivation nonetheless. This summer will probably be one of the best (and expensive) summers I’ve ever had so far. I won’t regret any of it though. Awesome opportunities with friends came my way and I couldn’t pass them up. We have to enjoy the money we work for sometimes, don’t we? Besides, it’s been a couple of years since I actually took a real vacation. I just won’t be going anywhere after summer and will have to lock myself up in my room. No biggie.

So the other night I made Shrimp Lettuce Wraps. Great way to have wraps without the carbs from the tortillas, so you won’t feel guilty if you have two. Very light and refreshing! Also a great source of protein from the shrimp, quinoa, and Greek yogurt!

2013-05-16 06.54.19

2013-05-16 06.54.39

{Here’s what you’ll need:}

salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1 cup cooked quinoa (1/4 cup dry)

20 medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined (as always I prefer to get it raw)

4 big pieces of lettuce

1/3 cup Greek yogurt

1 tbsp Sriracha

{How to cook:}

Spray nonstick pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and let cook for about 1 minute, until golden brown. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook until shrimp turns almost completely pink. Add green peppers, red peppers, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is tender. While that is cooking, mix together Greek yogurt and Sriracha for the sauce. Layer 1/4 cup quinoa along the fold of the lettuce, followed by 5 pieces of shrimp, veggie mixture, and yogurt sauce. Repeat for the remaining 3 pieces of lettuce. Enjoy!

Makes 2 servings.