photo courtesy of Gray Malin
Pack these 7 sneaky ingredients for a nutrient boost on the fly
We all want to find the best way to get the most bang for our buck when it comes to nutrition. But it’s especially key as the weather warms and we’re flying around after the sun, chasing kids across the sand, far from home, kitchen and our usual rituals.
Adding nutrient dense additions to each meal (even whatever’s in the cooler or at the sandwich stand) doesn’t have to get overcomplicated. Pack these super (sneaky) 7 in a waterproof bag for minerals, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
1.Chia Seeds – A superfood (easy to digest when presoaked), rich in fiber, protein,manganese and calcium, high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Balances blood sugars, fight cancer growth, promote healthy skin, reduce signs of aging, supports the heart and digestion. Yes please. Sprinkle on everything: lobster roll, grilled cheese from the beach hut, soft serve, you name it.
2. Hemp Seeds – A variety from the cannabis plant that’s rich in GLA (gamma-lineolic acid) necessary to make some prostaglandins, the hormone-like chemicals that help smooth muscles, control inflammation and body temps.(2) Toss them in smoothies and shakes.
3.Barley Green Grass – Available in totable packets, this packs a punch: rich in vitamin A, C,B and minerals iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Plus highly absorbable protein and 20 amino acids, including eight of the nine essential amino acids our bodies can’t produce themselves). High in chlorophyll, which helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and balances our body’s pH (exposure to daily toxins, stress, lack of sleep and the Standard American Diet (SAD) tend to create acidic imbalance). To help increase energy, aid in digestion, relieve constipation, improve nails, skin and hair, and strengthen the immune system (3), sneak this powder into the hummus and other spreads and salads at the BBQ.
4. Collagen Peptides – Found naturally in connective tissue, collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body and makes up 25% of our protein content. It’s the key building block for hair, skin, nails, blood vessels and teeth health, reducing symptoms of brittle nails (4) and improving skin elasticity (5) Pour from your big home tub into a zip lock and ask for them to be blended into shakes or mock pina coladas.
5. Chaga Mushrooms – High in antioxidant properties and beta-glucans, Chaga is traditionally used to stimulate the immune system, balance energy, and reduce inflammation and exhibits anti-cancer properties(6). Because it’s also known to help reduce fatigue and increase mental sharpness, try adding the powder to coffee or tea, mix it into ice cream, or have it added to smoothies or shakes on the go. (My clients and I love Moon Juice chaga.)
6.Ashwaganda or winter cherry is a rich source of minerals including zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, and cobalt. It can significantly reduce stress, (7) (which pretty much what summer’s about.) Store in an airtight container and combine with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon for your own spice powder. Add it to chili, fruit shakes and smoothies, even hot dog relish.
Chaga is traditionally used to stimulate the immune system, balance energy, and reduce inflammation and exhibits anti-cancer properties( Click To Tweet7. MCT Oil – When we eat food our body needs to expend some energy to digest, absorb and store the nutrients found in the food. Digested easily and sent directly to your liver, this oil has thermogenic effect on the body. That means its calories consumed before a meal actually increase the rate at which your body burns calories or metabolic rate to aid in healthy weight, provide more energy, experience better digestion, balance hormone levels, improve mood, and fight bacterial infection and viruses. (8) A little vial of this belongs next your SPF. Use recommended dosage before each meal and know that whatever’s being served at the picnic, you did something good for your body already.
Here I am with a smoothie featuring a healthy dose of chaga mushroom!
