8 Foods You Should Be Eating But Don’t Know Why
June 06, 2018
I don’t subscribe to the whole “good” food / “bad” food paradigm, because bad foods can be good for the soul sometimes, and good foods can stress you out if there’s no balance.
But let’s face it, some foods are statistically better than others, and some foods are wayyyyy better than others: oh hey, superfoods! I see you!
If you’ve already removed a lot of the basic offenders (processed foods, gluten, dairy, food additives, sugar, etc.) then challenge yourself to step it up a notch...
Superfoods get their designation because they carry megadoses of the vitamins and nutrients our body most needs to thrive and heal. They also contain antioxidants and other disease fighters that protect us today and into future!! Want to be the cutest one at the nursing home? Better get you some supa-foods.
I want you to add in two new superfoods to your daily routine. To aid you in this challenge I’ve included some info on some of my favorite superfoods including how to work them into your diet. Ready? Let’s goooooo.
*Stick to organic products
Matcha
You know all that great stuff you hear about green tea? How it can help to prevent cancer and heart disease, and speed up weight loss? Matcha is the active ingredient that is responsible for all this bad-a$$ery. This super green powder that you stir into your hot water is teaming with the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate, the artist also known as EGCG.
Give it a try: Work this lovely antioxidant in by mixing 1 to 2 tsp into your morning smoothie or go crazy and make a matcha latte with stevia and almond milk! Organic is twice the price but it’s worth it. Tea and coffee are the highest sprayed crops with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
Ashwaganda
This is an herb used heavily in Ayurvedic medicine for its many amazing properties. This powerful herb is called an adaptogenic herb -- think adapting to your body’s stress needs -- and used primarily to help the body combat chronic stress (think: adrenal fatigue).
Give it a try: You can use the herb by mixing the root or the leaves in boiling water, but I’m not gonna lie, it tastes like death meets tree bark. The easier way to get its benefits is to take it in supplement form.
My fav stress combating product is Adaptocrine, which mixes ashwagandha with some other super powerful nutrients to help your body become more stress resilient. Apex Energetics doesn’t sell this supplement online but I will ship them to you from our office! Just let me know here if you want to try it.
Spirulina
This super-green superfood lovingly known as “pond scum” is the most nutrient dense food in the world. This green algae is full of protein, B vitamins, iron, and calcium, not to mention other nutrients like magnesium, selenium, zinc, and the inflammation fighter amino acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA).
Spirulina is also known for removing heavy metals from your system, increasing fat burning, and balancing blood sugar.
Give it a try: You can get more spirulina in your life by either using the powder or pill form. You can add the powder to your smoothies or green juices. I love the Brand Nutrex Pure Hawaiian Spirulina, which you can get online or at Whole Foods. I take six tablets every day!
MCT Oil
MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides) lowers inflammation, is beneficial for your gut, balances your hormones, gives you a nice dose of antioxidants, and is what we call a “fat burning fat.” I love MCT so much I made a video on it, you can watch it here.
Give it a try: You can add 1-2 tbsp. of MCT oil to your hot beverage, your smoothie, or even cook with it on medium to high heat. Make sure you watch the video so you know how to get the highest quality sourced MCT.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is fermented apple cider, which means it’s chock full of gut-healthy probiotics. Also, it has been used for centuries to do everything from soothing sunburns to fighting fungus. I particularly like that it cleanses our liver and alkalizes our pH. Make sure to buy organic, raw, and unfiltered ACV (I use Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar).
Give it a try: Get your ACV in by adding 1 or 2 tbsp. to your morning lemon water for extra detoxing power or make a delicious vinaigrette like this one here.
Goji Berries
Think nutrient dense antioxidant powerhouses with the power to help stabilize blood sugar, detoxify the liver, and increase your energy… just to name a few.
Give it a try: Whether you buy these tart little berries fresh or dried, you can add them to your homemade trail mix, to your chia seed pudding, or use them to flavor your brisket.
Hemp Seeds
They are high in fiber and protein, but they won’t get you high (yay?)! These tiny little seeds are full of soluble and insoluble fiber which feeds your good gut bacteria and helps you poop. The seeds also have a beautiful balance of omega-3 fats and (GLA) that helps fight inflammation and boosts your immune system.
Give it a try: Add them to your salads, your smoothies, your chia pudding, or anything else your heart desires.
Chia Seeds
High in fiber and high in good fat! The fiber in chia seeds can actually trap fat and cholesterol during digestion (so it's not absorbed) making it a great way to naturally reduce cholesterol. The seeds alsocontain omega-3 fats called Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a fat shown to protect you from heart disease, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity.
Give it a try: I put these in everything… and I mean everything. I pretty much have chia seeds stuck in my teeth at all times. 1-2 tbsp. per day does the trick.
Start getting in these powerhouses and start reaping those benefits! Did I miss a favorite superfood of yours? Head over to my Facebook Page and let me know which ones you love.
P.S. Vegetables are the OG superfood, and if you don’t feel like you are getting enough, try this concentrated, organic greens product. I take this with me when I travel and it makes instant green juice!
