So I have recently been on a "superfoods" kick, and wow...!
It is really feeling good - I have more energy in general, feel more motivated throughout my day, better sleep, brain fog is at an all-time low, blood sugar feeling more regulated... I could go on and on. So I thought I would share in my excitement.
A "superfood" is really any type of food that has unusually high amounts of vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, etc. that you can use to supplement and enhance your diet. With superfoods, a little goes a long way in terms of nutrient content and many of them can be added to your favorite meals without changing the flavor, or can even enhance the flavor of your food. Why not just take a vitamin, you ask? Well, vitamins are a very nice option if you are someone who really cannot find a way to incorporate nutrient dense foods into your diet regularly, but when we can offer our body nutrients in their unprocessed, "whole" form - as in, in the form of food - our body is MUCH better equipped to digest - and thus utilize - these nutrients. On top of that, it can be so much fun to find ways to incorporate them into your diet, and they can be so tasty too!
What it comes down to: more nutrient bang for your buck.
One of my current favorite superfoods: Chia seeds. Chia seeds have long been used in Central America, seen both as food and as medicine due to their high nutritional benefits. Loaded with protein, healthy omega fatty acids that your brain loves and needs so much, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, these little gems can brighten your day a teaspoonful at a time. Chia retains water, which can help with hydration and can help your body to feel full and satiated. Aside from all that, what makes them so frequently used in my kitchen is their very mild flavor, which means they can be added to almost anything.
Chia seed pudding with fresh berries is a staple in our house. High in protein and very little sugar, this makes for a great healthy dessert, or even a super easy breakfast!
When they are given the chance to absorb liquid, they can take on a very interesting texture as well - almost like tapioca. If you aren't into "interesting" textures, chia can also be blended, maintaining the thick and pudding-like texture, while getting rid of the tapioca-like feel and leaving it nice and creamy.
Because of its high protein content, and its ability to be added to smoothies, stir-frys, granola, homemade power bars, and just about anything you can imagine, using chia seeds in your post-workout meal is an excellent way to help your body gain muscle tone and retain all of your hard work.
Here are a few links to some of my favorite chia seed recipes:
- A relatively more elaborate (but still super simple) chia pudding recipe.
- Simple vegan strawberry chia pudding.
Whole list of superfood recipes featuring chia, including yummy smoothies and power bars (great for after your pilates lesson).
Try a recipe with chia in it this week and tell us what you think in the comment section below - we would love to hear from you! Wishing you a happy and healthy body and mind from all of us at Body Synergy!
-Katie