Super Foods

I cant say enough about Superfoods.  That is just a term people in the raw food world use when we are talking about foods that have high quantities of nutrition in them.
I am going to high light different ones as I use them.  Right now I am using Chia seeds alot.
I put them in my smoothies, puddings, salads, breads, crackers.  Anything I can throw them in.

Here are some of the benefits of the little chia seed:

1. Supports Heart Health
   Chia seeds can help reduce blood pressure. The seeds contain one of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). EFAs cannot be synthesized by our bodies however, it is very important that we get enough to support our immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. EFA deficiency is quite common in North America.
    
2. Stabilizes Blood Sugar
   Chia seeds slow down the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body. The soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy. In one study on diabetic patients, Dr. Vladamir Vuksan of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, found that blood was thinner and less prone to clotting and blood pressure of participants dropped significantly, after three months of taking Chia seeds daily.
    
3. Energizing
   The word “Chia” comes from the Mayan language and means strength. Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber. It is said that 1 tablespoon of Chia can sustain a person for 24 hours. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time.
    
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties 
   A number of arthritis sufferers have reported reduced pain and inflammation after a few weeks of taking Chia seeds. The high concentration of omega-3 helps to lubricate joints and keep them supple. Additionally, Omega-3s are converted into prostaglandins which are known to have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
    
5. Weight Loss
   The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass. The seeds are sometimes added to food to provide bulk and nutrients while adding very few calories. For these reasons, many people have found Chia quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance.
    
6. Detoxification and Elimination
   Similar to psyllium, the swelling action of Chia in the body helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action.
    
7. High Quality Protein
   Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, a higher percentage than found in many other grains such as wheat and rice. Chia seeds contain strontium which helps to assimilate protein and produce high energy.
    
8. Antioxidants
   Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid - contributing to a long shelf life.
    
9. Provides Fiber and Other Nutrients
   Besides EFAs, Chia seeds also provide fiber, iron, calcium, niacin, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus.
   
   2 tablespoons of Chia = 7 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, 205 milligrams of calcium, 5 grams omega-3
    
10. Brain Power
    EFAs are known to make cell membranes more flexible and efficient making nutrients more readily available and nerve transmission more efficient. This helps to improve brain function (including memory and concentration).
     

 

Love our Green Smoothies!!                                                Drinking green smoothies is the quickest, easiest way to obtain incredible health results. Simply by adding one Green Smoothie to your diet every day will start to bring about amazing positive change in the body. When the body gets the foods it needs, it can heal itself. Green Smoothies are fast and easy to make.  From start to finish, it takes less than 5 minutes, and that includes cleaning up!


Kale, spinach, frozen fruit, bananas, chia seeds, hemp protein, coconut water and meat + anything that you want.  I change it up to get as many different vitamins and nutrients that I can.  Quick, easy, and delicious.  

Juicing!!!!

I start my Juice Feast today.  I am going to try and do 30 days of juicing and smoothies.
I love to juice anything.  Celery, Romaine, Ginger, Carrots, Apples, Beets....

Here are 6 Reasons to Consume Green Juice Everyday:

Juicing helps in the Absorption of Nutrients – If your digestive system is less than optimal, it can be difficult to absorb all of the nutrients when eating greens. Juicing will break down the cell walls of vegetables so that they are pre-digested for you. This means that all of the nutrients go straight into your system.

Juicing Means that You Can Eat More Greens – You probably aren't going to eat a whole head of celery in a day…but you can easily drink a whole head of celery juice. Juicing also allows you to consume a wide variety of greens all at once. You most likely wouldn't have kale, cucumber, celery and parsley for breakfast, but you will enjoy it as a juice.

Juicing is a Great Way to Get Loads of Chlorophyll, which is the building block of our bodies. Chlorophyll is what makes plants green, and it is perhaps the most powerful element that exists in the universe. It is medicine for our bodies. It increases the flow of oxygen to all parts of the body, which means we release more carbon dioxide, toxins and stress. Plenty of oxygen means that our bodies become an aerobic environment where disease cannot live. An anaerobic environment is where disease thrives.

Green Vegetables contain Nearly all of the Trace Minerals we Need – Most people are seriously lacking in essential minerals which mean that our bodies are not equipped with the necessary resources to fight disease and feel fantastic. Green juice is a great way to get all of the vital minerals for vibrant health.

Green Juice Provides us with the Enzymes that we need to cleanse, detoxify and renew at a cellular level. Enzymes are also needed to digest food. We cannot have amazing health without enzymes. Cooking and processing of any type destroys all enzymes, so raw food, especially greens, is absolutely essential to maintain healthy enzyme levels. A daily green juice is a sure way to maintain enzyme levels.

Juicing Makes Greens Taste Great – As mentioned above, juicing can make greens more palatable. This is because they can be sweetened with an apple or carrot. It is essential not to overdo it on apples and carrots because they can raise blood sugar levels, but adding a carrot or apple to a green juice transforms it into a delicious juice that most people will enjoy.

Our Local CSA

We love our local CSA.  It is Amy's Farm and located here in Ontario.  The girls love to go and pick up our produce every week and then have the joy of deciding how we prepare it.
Fresh Kale
Carrots
Beets
All Organic and Yummy!!!!

If you have a local CSA in your area I would highly recommend joining.  It not only helps your local farmer with your support, it also benefits your family in knowing you are getting Organic locally grown produce.