Superfoods: What’s in my yogurt?

I ran! I did it!

Yesterday I was determined to give running a try. Usually on my days off I just do some sort of workout dvd in my living room because I don’t feel like going outside, especially in the winter. But yesterday was different, I felt like I could run and I had to get on the treadmill to try. I made it to the gym around noon and managed to do 4.5 miles in an hour. I did an interval workout, walking and running every couple of minutes. I didn’t really have a plan, I just went with it. I ran pretty slow, mostly around 5.3 and didn’t run for very long at once, but still, I could run!

I am so excited to get back into running and hopefully do a race in May. It’s between the Long Island half marathon or the Broad Street 10 mile run in Philadelphia.

On to another topic…

After listening to a Nutrition School podcast on superfoods, I was thinking about how I got into eating them. So I figured I’d bring you a topic that I enjoy…

What the heck is in my yogurt and why?

Over the past 2 years of reading blogs I’ve incorporated many new foods into my “diet”. I know I’ve mentioned many them here and there, but I figured why not talk about why they are worth eating?

Side Note: The following shouldn’t be considered “health claims”, but rather to help you understand why these foods are so good for you!

Goji Berries: These are a pink colored berry which are very sweet . They are a good source of protein, antioxidants, essential amino acids, and over 20 vitamins and minerals — including vitamin A, C, and iron. They are said to s possess all the natural elements to support optimum health and vitality. They are great in granola, granola bars and used for a topping to yogurt, smoothies or a salad.

Maca: Can be found in a powder (how I use it) or gel form. It is said to inrease stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue. The root is a superb adaptogen, as it enables the body to more easily adapt to and regulate stress factors. I mix this in my yogurt or smoothies. It can take getting used to the taste, but after one or two uses, you don’t even notice its nutty flavor.

Chia Seeds: High in essential fatty acids that it contains eight times more omega-3s than salmon, gram for gram. Also full of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals (especially calcium and iron), chia has much in common with flaxseed.  Beneficial for many health issues, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, celiac disease, and lowering cholesterol. I use chia seeds in a variety of ways, in baked goods, smoothies, yogurt, granola, granola bars, etc. It can also be made into a chia egg for baking. It can absorb A LOT of water.

Cacao Nibs: A naturally rich supply of antioxidants, and is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. It is known to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium, a high iron content, and also has many other essential minerals in significant quantities. Again I use this as a topper of smoothies, granola, yogurt and ice cream!

Shelled Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds are a natural protein source: they contain all of the essential amino acids, are highly digestible, and are one of the highest sources of complete protein of all plant-based foods. Hemp also has a very well-balanced ratio of essential fatty acids (EFAs) Omega 3, 6, 9. It is excellent for cardiovascular health and promotes a strong immune system. A great source of dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium, hemp is a true superseed. I mix this into cereal, oats, smoothies, granola, granola bars.

(Source for information from Navitas Naturals, my favorite brand of these products. Disclaimer: I buy all of these with my own money!)

I like how the back of the Navitas Naturals products have a description, background and the benefits of each of the products.

There are many other superfoods I haven’t tried yet. Over the past year or so I have incorporated these foods into my life. Don’t be overwhelmed. Pick one and start there! Start with cacao nibs or goji berries, they are the easiest to add into your life..I think anyway! You can buy these foods at Whole Foods, a health store, or even cheaper at iherb.com. They also give free shipping when you spend over $40.00. (You can use my coupon CUL964 at checkout to get $5.00 your first purchase.)

So what the heck is in your yogurt or smoothie?

Tagged as: breakfast, coupon, goji berries, iherb, navitas natural, superfoods, yogurt