Healthy Foods From A-Z: “C”

Chia Seeds:

These tiny little seeds pack a powerful nutritious punch!  They have a nutty like flavor and you can add them to any food you like making it easy to incorporate into your diet.  Chia seeds not only help our bodies fight off free radicals because of the antioxidants, they are a great source of energy because of the perfect combo of protein, fat (omega 3 fatty acids) and carbs (most from fiber) they provide.  Click the link below to learn more about the chia seed: http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/

Nutrition Facts – www.authoritynutrition.com; www.webmd.com

Serving size = 2tbsp (1 ounce)

Total Calories	139
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fiber	11g
Protein	4g
Calcium	18% RDA
Manganese	30% RDA
Magnesium	30% RDA
Phosphorus	27% RDA

Almond Breakfast Bars with Protein Packed Raspberry Jam: http://www.conveganence.com/almond-breakfast-bars-with-protein-packed-raspberry-jam/

 

 

 

Chocolate & Coconut Chia Seed Mousse:

http://veggiesandgin.com/home/2014/3/1/chocolate-chia-mousse

Cherries:

Aside from being a delicious and refreshing snack in the summer time, there are some incredible healing benefits that come from eating this tart fruit.  Here are just a few of the amazing benefits according to Advanced Pain Management – www.APMhealth.com – http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/253839/file-1236745266-jpg/images/blog-images/cherry-infographic/apm-cherry-infographic-web-full.jpg :

–          Cherries contain anthocyanins (this is what gives them there bright red color) which are packed with antioxidants.  These antioxidants not only fight against free radicals the also block inflammation and inhibit pain enzymes in the same way asprin does.

–          Tart cherries can help reduce age related bone loss and help athletes reduce muscle damage to recover from tough workouts faster.

–          Drinking tart cherry juice in the morning and evening can help you get some quality Zzzz’s at night!!

 

Recipes: I think the healthiest way to eat your cherries is freshly picked or bought from your local farmer’s market, rinse off and ENJOY!  Here’s a recipe just in case you want to get creative J

Cherry Smoothie:

–           1 cup pitted tart cherries

–           1 ripe banana

–           1 scoop of vanilla protein powder

–           1 cup of coconut water

–           ½ cup of coconut or almond milk

–           ½ cup of ice

–           Blend and enjoy!!