WALNUT BROWNIE BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE (RECIPE)

AMY CRAWFORD (THE HOLISTIC INGREDIENT )
This is a seriously yummy breakfast smoothie that is both sustaining and seriously good for you. It feels decadent but know it is doing you so much good!

INGREDIENTS
Approx. 1.5 cups almond milk (or milk of choice), add more if you prefer a runnier smoothie
1/3 cup of walnuts, or about 20g
1/4 of an avocado
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon raw cacao (or to taste, I like my chocolate intense, I added an extra half tablespoon)
2 heaped teaspoons maple or rice malt syrup, or sweetener of choice, to taste
1 heaped teaspoon maca powder (optional)
1 heaped teaspoon raw cacao nibs
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of vanilla powder (or essence)
Pinch salt

METHOD
Leave half the walnuts and cacao nibs aside. Throw the rest of your ingredients into the blender and blend until really smooth.
Top with the cacao nibs and remaining walnuts.
 I would recommend making this the night before or at least half an hour before you eat it to allow the chia seeds to soften.

http://www.foodmatters.tv/content/walnut-brownie-breakfast-smoothie-recipe

Raw Chocolate Chia Energy Bars (Recipe)

VEGETARIAN TIMES

The humble ancient chia seed is a powerhouse of nutrition all packed into one tiny little shell. If you are looking to boost your nutritional intake, then these are one amazing superfood to add to your diet. Not only are they a wonderful source of protein to help build beautiful hair, skin, nails and vitally important muscles and red blood cells; they also have a large range of essential and non essential amino acids and fiber that help promote healthy heart and circulation.

Raw Chocolate Chia Energy Bars (Recipe)

Whole chia seeds add nutritional punch and crunch to these chocolate treats. Makes 8 bars

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pitted dates
• ⅓ cup raw unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup whole chia seeds
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract, optional
• ¼ tsp. almond extract, optional
• 1 cup raw slivered almonds or raw shelled pistachios
• Oat flour for dusting, optional

Method: 

1. Place dates in bowl of food processor; purée until thick paste forms. Add cocoa powder, chia seeds, and vanilla and almond extracts, if using. Pulse until all ingredients are combined. Add almonds; pulse until nuts are finely chopped and well distributed through date mixture.

2. Spread large sheet of wax paper on work surface, and dust with oat flour, if using. Transfer date mixture to wax paper, and use paper to press mixture into ½-inch-thick rectangle. Wrap tightly, and chill overnight.

3. Unwrap block, and cut into 8 bars. Dust edges and sides with oat flour, if using, to prevent sticking. Rewrap each bar in wax paper.
http://www.foodmatters.tv/articles-1/raw-chocolate-chia-energy-bars

The Healthiest Superfoods This Year 2015

By Food World News Staff Reporter

Year 2015 opens a lot of possibilities not just opportunities but even a lot better life than last year. Well, in terms of healthier lifestyle 2015 is also the best year for you to start planning a better new you. If last year Kale and Chia seeds are the super foods, this year you will discover the greatness of Moringa, Chaga Mushroom, and Chlorella.

 

Super food #1 Moringa:

This is the plant native in South America and Asia that is well known because of its many uses. This certain plant is very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. Aside from those mentioned here, Moringa is also a great source of Vitamin C and essential amino acids.
Moringa is best for digestion, liver protection, and blood sugar regulation. You can use 1 tbsp. of Moringa seeds per day to your smoothie, food, or even tea.

Super food #2 Chaga Mushroom:

In a place like Siberia, Chaga Mushroom grows on the birch of the trees. What make this mushroom considered as super food are its antioxidant content and its capability to strengthen the person's immune system. Chaga can also ward off bacteria and viruses.

You can have this by steeping the mushroom into the hot water for about 30 minutes. However, this can stain your teeth. So, there are people who go for its alternative by having chaga mushroom powder, tea, liquid drops, or the pill form of chaga mushroom.

Super food #3  Chlorella:

 What is Chlorella and how could it possibly help us? Well, this is like a single cell algae of color green and can be found in freshwater. It contains 65% protein and packed with vitamins. It has more chlorophyll compared to any other leaf food or vegetables. In fact, algae are 40% greater chlorophyll than wheatgrass has. This is great detoxification most especially in liver.
http://www.foodworldnews.com/articles/14477/20150209/healthiest-superfoods-year-2015.htm