2 new super foods: Vega & Chia Seeds

This week I would like to introduce you to 2 of my newest, favorite “super foods” that I just can NOT live without.

They aren’t really “new” but they are new to me!

They are:

Vega

And

Chia Seeds.

“Weird”. You’re probably saying to yourself. And yes, it is a little weird that I’m so excited about 2 super-duper healthy products, but hey, my goal is to be as healthy and happy as possible. So, why not?!

Fist off, I don’t even know where to begin on Vega. So, I will let the stats (off their website) do it for you.

Features & Benefits 
Formulated by Brendan Brazier, vegan, professional Ironman triathlete and best-selling author on performance nutrition, Vega is made exclusively from natural plant-based whole foods.

A synergistic collection of Brendan's favorite plant-based superfoods, Vega is not only a complete meal replacement, but also an ideal daily health-optimizing supplement.

High in fiber, protein and essential fatty acids, Vega is naturally filling and satisfying, helping to reduce appetite and cravings. Each serving of Vega supplies:

26g of Broad Spectrum Protein

·                     40% of calories from protein, with all essential amino acids in ideal balance

·                     Alkaline forming, 35% raw protein with enzymes intact

·                     Protein sourced from hemp, yellow pea, brown rice, flax and chlorella

6g of Essential Fatty Acids

·                     30% of calories from naturally occurring fats from whole foods

·                     EFAs mostly in the form of hard to get Omega 3s and zero trans fats

·                     EFAs sourced from whole flax seed (not flax meal), hemp and chlorella

17g of Quality Carbohydrates

·                     30% of calories from naturally occurring complex carbohydrates; no maltodextrin

·                     Naturally low glycemic index and no sugars or sugar derivatives added

·                     Carbohydrates sourced from hemp, flax, brown rice and maca

15g of Fabulous Fiber

·                     Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber

·                     Helps balance blood sugar, reduce insulin, improve elimination

·                     Fiber sourced from hemp, flax, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and chlorella

Full Serving of ChlorEssence (High CGF Chlorella)

·                     Rich in protein, chlorophyll and nucleic acids DNA & RNA

·                     Cleanse, nourish, rejuvenate cells and activate, support immune system

·                     Special cell wall fiber binds to and removes heavy metals and other toxins from the body

Full Serving of MacaSure (Organic Gelatinized Maca)

·                     Rich in alkaloids, glucosinolates, minerals and sterols

·                     Increase energy, reduce stress, balance hormones, improve libido

·                     Gelatinization enhances potency and ease of digestion/absorption

Mixed Berry Complex (ORAC 800 blend)

·                     Great source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

·                     Helps defend against free radical damage

Probiotics (Dairy-free)

·                     Beneficial form of bacteria

·                     Helps maintains healthy intestinal flora

Digestive Enzymes

·                     Facilitates breakdown of food to improve absorption

·                     Helps reduce nutritional stress digestion places on the body

100% Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamins & Minerals

·                     All essential minerals present in easily absorbable form

·                     All essential vitamins present in natural form

With just 220 calories and 2g of net carbs per serving (natural flavor), Vega is an excellent choice for those on a calorie-reduced diet. High in fiber, protein and essential fats, Vega is naturally filling and satisfying, helping to suppress appetite and cravings.

Easily digested, alkaline and great-tasting, Vega is clean and green, containing no animal products, corn, dairy, egg, fillers, gluten, soy, sugar, wheat or yeast. Absolutely no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners and GMO and pesticide-free.

Vega is available in wholesome and delicious Natural, Berry, Vanilla Chai and Chocolate flavors, in three sizes: individual 30g Snack Packs, small bottles containing 7-8 servings and large bottles containing 15-17 servings. One serving of Vega is a complete meal, exceeding all meal replacement requirements, but people with smaller appetites may find half a serving sufficiently satiating.

Each serving of Vega contains a full dose of MacaSure and ChlorEssence!

I have started adding Vega to my Kale Smoothie in the mornings and I literally stay full for almost 4 hours. It’s amazing. It is a little thicker than normal protein powders but the health benefits can not be beat.

The second supper food I have been adding to my morning smoothie is 

Chia Seeds!

The nutritional profile of the Chia seed is amazing. Here are some of the nutrients you'll find in chia seeds:

·                                 high in omega 3 fatty acids - The Chia seed naturally contains 60% omega 3 fatty acid

·                                 high in fiber - Chia seeds absorb up to 30 times its weight in water or other liquids like juices. A 15 gm serving of chia seeds will provide 4 to 5 gm of fiber. We all need at least 35gm of fiber per day to stay healthy.

·                                 high in Protein - between 19 to 23% of the seed by weight is protein

·                                 full of antioxidants

·                                 B Vitamins - Chia seeds contain Vitamins C and E, plus Cinnamic acids, which prevent the good fats in Chia seeds from oxidizing, or going bad.

·                                 Boron - necessary to bone health

·                                 Calcium - 2 oz of chia seeds contains 600 mg of Calcium, compared to 120mg for a cup of milk.

Chia seeds are useful for:

·                                 weight loss

·                                 heart disease

·                                 diabetes

·                                 bone health

·                                 digestive disorders

Both of these products can be purchased at Rainbow Whole Foods or you can order them off the web. They are a bit pricey ,but I think their benefits are totally worth it.

Jess! 

By the way, I would have never stumbled upon these two little nifty super foods without my dear friend, Jessica Criddle. Jess works in the Supplement department at Rainbow and has a vast array of knowledge on all things good for you! She not only introduced me to these 2 new super foods, but she was also kind enough to give me samples of both.

Thank you, Jess! Go see her if you have any health questions! That girl KNOWS her stuff!

I hope everyone is staying healthy and happy despite this mostly gloomy weather.

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.~Buddha

good clean living

Since January 1^st, I have made some pretty drastic changes to my lifestyle. I cut out meat and sugar.

“Ouch” you might be thinking.

But in all honesty, I feel amazing.

And people have told me my skin looks amazing.

And I tend to agree;)

What have I been eating?

I’ll tell you.

First, every morning I start off with a Kale Smoothie. I know it sounds gross. But it is simply amazing. I could really drink 2 of these a day they are so good.

The recipe can be found here.

I found this amazing recipe for “Healthy Date Bars” and boy oh boy are they good!

They are a great healthy snack to keep handy.

I also made my own Cilantro Hummus! I might have added a little too much garlic, but hey, it was my first attempt.

I’ve been trying to eat lots of greens. I think greens are where it’s at!

Big salads are always on my menu.

As are sweet potato and quinoa.

I’ve cut out what little sugar I did put in my coffee in the morning. This has been a big adjustment. But you know what? I’m beginning to get used to it and even like it. My goal is to one day drink it black. I just think there is something so sexy and real about black coffee drinkers. Am I the only one who thinks this?

I’ve replaced desserts and candy with fresh fruit.

I could eat my weight in grapes, strawberries, and mangoes

I cut out soy milk and peanut butter and replaced it with almond milk and almond butter;) I figured I eat enough soy and don’t want to overload on it.

As far as the difference between almond butter and peanut butter, there is much debate. To learn some of the pros and cons of both, click here.

I’ve resumed my regime of running 4-5 miles a day on the trace. It truly is the highlight of my mornings.

And I’ve jumped back in the swing of things at the yoga studio. Boy it feels good to be back after my month and a half hiatus during the month of December.

Over-all I feel SO MUCH BETTER.

I’m sleeping better.

I’m in a better mood.

I’m more motivated.

I feel more alive.

I like myself better.

So there.

It feels good to practice more kindness in my lifestyle by cutting out the meat as well. I must add that.  I know it’s not for everyone, but I can’t tell you how much better I feel inside for not being a meat eater anymore.

If you made New Years resolutions or intentions, are you still keeping them? Or have you already thrown in the towel?

Whatever it is you’re doing or not doing, the only bit of encouragement and/or advice I have is to be kind to yourself. Be kind with your inner dialogue. Be kind and gentle. It will get you a lot farther than being judgmental and negative towards yourself;)

I’ll leave you with this brief passage from Desiderata.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

All my blessings on this seemingly dreary Tuesday,

Jen