Superfoods for New Year’s Resolutions
Deciding to make healthier lifestyle choices in the New Year can come with its challenges, but we have just the right superfoods to help you out. Whether your resolution is to lose weight, eat more greens or just be more health-conscious, our superfoods (chia seeds, almond flour, spirulina, quinoa and goji berries) make achieving your goals in 2015 easy – and delicious.
1) Chia Seeds
Have you decided to eat less and make healthier choices for the new year? Chia seeds are a wonderful weight loss companion because they reduce food cravings and help you feel full faster. These little seeds can even help control blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Chia seeds are also the richest plant source of Omega-3, the same essential fatty acid found in salmon. Most American diets don’t include enough Omega-3s, and this deficiency can increase the risk for chronic conditions associated with excess inflammation in the body. Enjoy this superfood in a chia seed pudding, cereals, drinks, or simply raw!
2) Almond Flour
If you have a fondness for delectable cakes, cookies, and muffins, then going cold turkey on baked goods can be pretty hard. That’s why so many of our customers love using nutrient-dense almond flour in their baking. Certified gluten-free and loaded with dietary fiber and protein, our almond flour is a top choice for low-carb diets and for those with a gluten sensitivity. The best part is that almond flour can be used as a direct one-to-one substitution for regular flour, so you can easily incorporate it in your recipes. It’s also a low glycemic food so you won’t experience a spike in blood sugar as you would with white flours.
3) Spirulina
Did you pledge to include more leafy green vegetables in your diet this year? Adding a teaspoon of spirulina to a salad dressing or smoothie can help you out with a major nutrient boost. Boasting all nine essential amino acids, spirulina is considered a complete source of protein. Spirulina’s protein content is over 80 percent digestible, which is greater than even red meat or soy. Beyond that, spirulina is plentiful in vitamins and minerals; it’s an excellent source of vitamins A through E, iron, potassium and calcium. As an added bonus, spirulina contains four times the antioxidant concentration of blueberries! It’s certainly not hard to see how spirulina gets its superfood status. Try the green superfood in this spirulina ice cream recipe for a sweet and creamy treat.
4) Quinoa
If you’re hitting the gym more during the new year, make sure you stock up on foods like organic quinoa, for an ideal balance of protein, fiber, carbohydrates and nutrients. To help you maintain lean body mass, quinoa is a high-quality protein that contains all 9 essential amino acids. Quinoa also provides over 25% of the recommended daily value for iron to keep you energized throughout the day. Our organic quinoa is already pre-rinsed, so you can be well on your way to eating healthy! Try our quinoa veggie wrap recipe for an easy and delicious way to enjoy the naturally gluten-free grain for lunch or dinner. You can also prepare quinoa salads by mixing cooked quinoa with your favorite nuts, fruits or vegetables.
5) Goji Berries
Another member of the superfood kingdom, goji berries are a natural treat for anyone that wants to maintain a strong immune system throughout the year. Just one ounce of these super berries packs a daily serving of vitamin A, a critical element for stimulating your body’s natural defense system and promoting good vision and eye health. Goji berries contain even more vitamin C per ounce than oranges, an immunity-boosting nutrient that also supports the cardiovascular system. Goji berries are considered the world’s most powerful anti-aging food because of their incredibly high antioxidant levels. Enjoy goji berries in tea or soup for a sweet and chewy treat, or add them to cereal and yogurt for a nice crunch.
Which superfoods are you eating to keep your New Year’s resolutions?
2 Responses to “Superfoods for New Year’s Resolutions”
Today my Valentine Box arrived with my order. I’ve tried so hard not to eat all of it today, but here I am; in bed and eating the last piece. Good thing I love the dried apple slices too
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the treats, Joyce! We know it’s hard not to eat them all at once! 🙂