Michelle's Super, SuperFoods

I have read through a few articles and put together a few foods that I would suggest you try adding to your diet.  Some you may already have and others could be a search and find mission.  I am going to try and find some of them too.  It doesn't hurt to throw something new in the mix as we try and shake off the holiday eating habits.

Spirulina (What is it?  It's algae and it's the only plant source of Vitamin B12)
Has more iron than beef and more protein than soy.  So if you are anemic it would be really helpful for you.  They say to add the powder to a breakfast smoothie.  So I'm going to try it. 

Kefir (Like yogurt but if  you're lactose intolerant you can use it)
Has antibiotic properties, protein, minerals and Vitamin B.  Use it like yogurt.  I have no idea what it tastes like.

Bee Pollen (Nature's most complete food)
It has 185 nutrients including more protein (by weight) than most protein-rich foods.  So there is an idea when we are trying to find ways to add protein because it takes longer to digest so it keeps us fuller longer. 
It will be a chalky little pellet.  It is one of the highest food sources of energizing vitamin B12 and has omega-3 fatty acids. 
You should find it at a health food store.  It should be stored in the refrigerator to preserve it's precious properties. 
Now we need to know what to do with it.  Add it to yogurt and granola, sprinkled on cereal and salad.  Here is a recipe for a smoothie:
1 - 2 tablespoons bee pollen with 1 banana, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon honey, handful of cashews and a cup of water.  I haven't tried it yet but I'm gonna.  It sounds pretty good.
I will be checking locally to see where you can find the pollen.  I am guessing that 2 tablespoons of bee pollen a day is all you need.

Beans (I know I talk about them a lot.  Is anybody eating them?)
First I am specifically talking about chickpeas.  In one study people who ate 1/2 cup per day lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol by 5%.  And also in the same study when they also upped their fibre intake that helped to lower their LDL too.  So to eat the chickpeas daily try pureeing them to thicken soups.  Saute them with olive oil and spices or mix them into pasta.
Remember you can use canned beans - the canning process actually neutralizes most of the indigestible starches that give you gas!  Make sure you drain and rinse them first to reduce the sodium content.
Another way to mix beans into your meals - in a salad with celery, onion, bell peppers and Italian dressing. 
Mix pinto beans with roasted butternut squash, sautéed onions, cumin, garlic and lime juice.
White beans with spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, olives and grated cheese.
Mince red onion, red bell pepper with black beans, cubed mango and salad dressing.

No excuses now to not try beans.  I've given you at least 5 different ways to eat them.  If you have any other great bean recipes - feel free to share them!

Here are some quotes for the week:

I am never bored anywhere: being bored is an insult to oneself.  Jules Renard

For everything you have missed, you have gained something else.  Ralph Waldo Emerson  This could even apply to healthy eating choices!

How many things I can do without.  Socrates  This can apply to food, to the economic downturn....

 

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