whole foods market – Michelle Marie Health & Wellness

Superfood Spotlight: Hemp Seeds

Recently, I have become hooked on these tiny little Superfoods called Hemp Seeds. These seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids required to maintain healthy human life. There is no other single plant source that has these in such an easily digestible form or in as perfect ratio to meet the nutritional needs of a human. If that doesn’t scream Superfood, than what does?

What makes them a Superfood?

– High in Magnesium, Iron & Zinc
– Contain 20 amino acids
(including the 9 essential amino acids our body needs to survive)
– High in Protein per serving (10g)
Specifically, Simple Protein which strengthens your immunity and fends off toxins
-Contains Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
(The Perfect Ratio 4 omega 6 to 1 omega 3)
– Low in Carbohydrates and High in Fiber
-Easily Digestible
-Provide long lasting energy : makes them a great addition to breakfast 🙂

How to use them?

– Add into smoothies
– Sprinkle on yogurt
– Mix into Oatmeal
– Sprinkle on top of salads
– Mix into baked goods: breads, muffins, and granola

Unlike many other seeds, such as flax, you CAN have hemp seeds daily and it is actually recommended since there is a perfect ratio of EFA (Essential Fatty Acids). They are one of the safest foods on the planet and are great substitutions for people that suffer from food allergies or digestion problems and are a great source of protein for vegetarians.

What do they taste like?

Hemp seeds have a slight nutty flavor but are not over powering. They add great flavor to all of the above without overpowering. I enjoy them mixed into my Vanilla Siggi’s topped with lots of fruit or in my Green Smoothie recipe.

Where can you buy them?

Many companies and stores sell shelled hemp seeds in bulk or in bags. Once opened store these seeds in your refrigerator.

– Trader Joes
– Whole Foods Market
– Amazon, Vitacost, and other online health shops (Navitas Naturals)
– Selective big chain grocery stores in the health food aisles

I highly recommend adding this Superfood into your diet weekly if not daily!

This article also appears on Women’s iLab to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

February Favorites: Things I am Loving Lately Pt. 2

Do you have a few products you just can’t live without? I have rounded up some of my new favorites to share with everyone. This list of products hits a broad range of categories so hopefully there is a little something for everyone to enjoy!

Owl’s Brew Cocktail Tea
Once you take a sip of this cocktail mixer, it will be very hard to go back to using anything else. Owl’s Brew created three flavors (Original, Coco Lada, and Pink & Black) of their freshly brewed teas, to pair with alcohol, which create a very unique and healthy mixed cocktail. Each brew is made only with organic ingredients and no artificial flavors or added sugars. It is solely composed 0f tea (flavor changes via brew) + water + agave! You simply mix one or two parts Owl’s Brew with one part alcohol of choice. Lastly, I like to fill my glass with seltzer water to add fizz and dimension to my cocktail. Everyone who I have shared this cocktail recipe with so far has fallen in love and I am sure you will too! You can buy Owl’s Brew online or at Whole Foods Market.

Good Karma: Flax Milk
My boyfriend stumbled upon Flax Milk in Whole Foods Market, took a glance at the ingredients on the bottle, and threw it in his basket to bring home for us to try. Flax Milk is made from flax seeds, which made me skeptical of how it would taste. However after tasting it, I was more than surprised at how delicious it is. We immediately became hooked. It has a nutty and creamy flavor; more rich and decadent than almond milk. What makes it stand apart from many other nut milks is that it is packed with 5g of high quality protein as well as a healthy dosage of good fats (Omega-3 and Omega-6).

Aloha Daily Good Greens ; Cacao Flavor
I have shared my love for the Aloha Daily Good Greens packets in the past, but recently, I became hooked on their new Cacao flavor. Simply pour and mix into hot water or a nut/seed milk or choice for a delicious and healthy version of a hot chocolate; minus the sugar and fat! It is the perfect winter treat!
Get your free trial here: https://aloha.com/try?invite=25NfVI47XIU

Trader Joe’s 85% Dark Chocolate Bar
If you have a sweet tooth and just need to tame it with something small try breaking off a chunk of this dark chocolate bar. The Dark Chocolate bar is incredibly rich and one of the best at an affordable price. Dark Chocolate is proven to have numerous health benefits. It is known to improve brain function, blood flow, lower blood pressure, decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and it contains large amounts of great antioxidants. However, there is a catch, to get these incredible health benefits you need to be purchasing and eating dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa; making this bar from Trader Joe’s a perfect match!

Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt
I became obsessed with Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt this fall and still cannot get enough of it. It is similiar to greek yogurt because it is packed with protein and does not contain fat. But what sets Siggi’s apart from the rest is that it is made with simple ingredients, no artificial flavors, and no added sugar. You have to be carefuly with many greek yogurts on the market because they are VERY high in sugar and artificial flavoring. Siggi’s also creates their products with milk from family farms who do not use growth hormones such as rBGH. Siggi’s comes in a variety of flavors that are all to die for. Its’ thickness makes it a decadent morning treat, a great add to a smoothie, or even in a healthy substitute in many recipes. I can’t pick a favorite flavor because they are all so good but I do gravitate towards the Vanilla and Pumpkin Spice.
Siggi’s can now be found in most grocery stores; check out their website for more details.

For other great products, check out my first edition of Things I am Loving Lately Pt.1.

This article also appears on Women’s iLab to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Things I am Loving Lately

1. Coconut Butter
Specifically, Essentially Coconut’s line of coconut butters. This local company creates coconut butters with no additives just coconut meat slow churned. They do love to add in different types of nuts making many flavor variations. I currently love the Coconut Cashew flavor. I am hooked on drizzling a teaspoon or two over a baked sweet potato. It is the perfect complement and acts as a great ending to a dinner or even a dessert. I also enjoy it on a piece of Ezekiel toast or English muffin topped with banana slices as a breakfast treat!

Health Benefits of Coconut: It is packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Coconut has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is known to improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Coconut is also great for your hair, skin and nails.

2. Kale Sprouts
I had heard all the hype about this new hybrid vegetable but had not come across it in any grocery stores until last Sunday. Trader Joe’s now sells bags of Kale Sprouts. I quickly grabbed multiple bags and brought them home to try. They are a perfect blend of the two vegetables; a mild version of a Brussel Sprout in obscure shapes with small kale leaves attached to them. If you throw them in the oven with some olive oil and garlic powder they are the perfect side vegetable.

Health Benefits of Kale Sprouts: This is self explanatory; two of the powerhouse green vegetables and superfoods combined into one!

3. Roasted Pumpkin
Trader Joe’s has another win in this week’s post; they currently sell bags of pre-cut pumpkin. I have been adding these to dinners and lunches since I first saw the product hit the shelf. It is as simple as laying them out on a sprayed baking sheet, spraying the tops with olive oil, sprinkling garlic powder and rosemary and baking for 35 minutes or until golden brown. You can also substitute the garlic and rosemary for pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to make a sweeter version of this side dish.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin: Pumpkin tastes very similar to squash and has the same nutritional value but contains a lot less natural sugar. It is very low in calories for a root vegetable and contains a great amount of fiber. Pumpkin is known to be a tremendous source of Vitamin A; just a cup of cubed pumpkin packs twice the daily recommended amount. Pumpkin is known for its anticancer properties since it is also filled with beta-carotene and antioxidants.

4. Terra Sweets & Beets Chips and their Limited Edition Sweets & Pumpkin Chips
These bags of chips are the best things ever made. Once a bag is opened it is very likely to be finished that day in our house. These chips are a combination of sliced beets, sweet potato, and pumpkin then baked or fried (I don’t want to know) and topped with various flavorings. The original flavor and the new cinnamon and nutmeg flavor are my favorite. These are a great treat once in a while.

Health Benefits: A serving of root vegetables? Treat yourself…