There is no scientific definition of a “superfood,” however it is widely accepted that a certain small list of plant products are among the most vibrant, nutrient-dense foods available. Have you ever heard of cacao? spirulina? goji berries?
As David Wolfe describes in his book, “Superfoods,” these are powerful sources of clean protein, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, good fats and oils, essential fatty acids and amino acids. They are a ‘uniquely promising piece of the nutritional puzzle.’
We’re all busy people and don’t have time for proper meals sometimes, right? So, whether you’re training for an ultra-marathon across the desert or just trying to survive the daily marathon that we run everyday at work and at home, why not eat foods that are super efficient and power-packed.
Mix these into your daily diet or in your running trail mix.
Superfoods for Everyday Athletes
1) Maca: a root vegetable and medicinal herb native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia
2) Pumpkin seeds: high in calories, high in protein. An essential ingredient in my morning muesli!
3) Hemp seeds: high in protein and contains all the nine of the essential amino acid (like flax)
4) Chia seeds: this seed with a nutty flavor is high in omega-3 fatty acids and rich in antioxidants. It was a main staple in the diet of Aztec warriors.
5) Goji berries: packed with antioxidants, these berries are sometimes used to treat common health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
6) Cacao nibs: pieces of cacao beans that have been roasted and hulled – essentially ‘raw chocolate.’ 4 times the amount of antioxidants in great tea.
7) Bee pollen: high in protein and carbohydrates, it has often been used to enhance energy and memory
8) Coconut nectar: high in enzymes, this low glycemic food is great to use as a sweetener
9) Spirulina: a blue-green algae that is high in protein, B-complex vitamins and beta-carotene. It is often used for the promotion of weight loss.
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Thanks again to my fellow health coach and expert in plant-based nutrition, Elisa Haggarty, for her suggestions for this blog post.