Photo: @kreationjuice
Spring is in full swing and you know what that means: spring cleaning! Yes, this may involve getting our houses in order or tackling the pile of disarray on our desks, but your kitchen may be the most important thing you clean this year. Often times our unhealthy habits or binges come form those pesky ingredients hanging out in our cabinets or fridge. It’s time to make that change! Clean out all that junk food and make room for some new ones. We rounded up 11 foods you can add to your next grocery list that will add new nutrients to your diet and boost your cancer fighting power. Think of it as spring cleaning for your body!
CHLOROPHYLL
Chlorophyll is abundant in all green vegetables and is what allows the plants to feed and grow from the sun. It packs your green vegetables full of vitamins and nutrients, making them superfoods and energy-builders. You can buy chlorophyll in liquid form and add it to your smoothies and juices.
TAHINI
Tahini is sesame seed paste. It can be used in many recipes to replace any nut or seed butter, and also in salad dressings.
HEMP
Hemp is not only one of the most bioavailable sources of protein out there, but it’s affordable, abundant and sustainable. Hemp has one of the most concentrated balances of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes found in nature, and they aid in weight loss, sustained energy, reduces inflammation and improves circulation. It’s easy to add to your smoothie or top your salad with a handful!
KALE
The king of the leafy greens! Kale packs more nutrition per bite than any other food around. You’ll use kale in many of your recipes, including your juices and smoothies.
TEMPEH
Tempeh is made of fermented soybeans and sometimes mixed with brown rice or other grains. The fermented nature of tempeh increases the digestibility of soy (especially its proteins), nutrient absorption from soy (including absorption of phytonutrient isoflavones like genistein and daidzein), and the concentration of bioactive peptides. It comes as a solid block and is great for slicing into cubes or strips for recipes. (Make sure it is gluten-free if you are gluten-intolerant, as some brands add barley and rice to the soybeans.)
NUTRITIONAL YEAST
Also known as “cheezy flakes,” nutritional yeast can be found at most health foods stores and often in the bulk bin section at these stores. It is a flaky substance that can be sprinkled onto your dishes or made into a sauce for cheese-type sauces and dips.
RAW AGAVE NECTAR
When raw, agave is a naturally, low-glycemic sweetener, which means that it sweetens without spiking your blood sugar.
QUINOA
A grain-like seed, quinoa can be used in any dish that would normally call for rice. It’s a complete protein, which is rare for most plants. This means that it is high in protein and contains all the essential amino acid building blocks your system needs.
TOFU
Tofu is a protein-based substance made from soybean curd. When organic, it is free of pesticides and is a fantastic source of protein and iron, especially if you are used to eating meat regularly.
CHIA & FLAXSEEDS
These tiny seeds are full of healthy fats. They can be used in baked goods or in certain recipes as a binder, because they become gelatinous when soaked in liquid.
SPIRULINA
A blue-green algae that is high in protein and B vitamins, spirulina can be found in a powdered form, which can be added to smoothies, protein bars, and other recipes.
Sources:
Mind Body Green
