Salads have been regarded for years, as the quintessential “health food.” But who says they have to be boring?
Adding things like roasted chicken, hard boiled eggs, leftover steak or seafood can be great ways to get some additional protein into your meal, leaving you feeling satisfied for longer, but even those options can get old rather quickly.
Why not liven things up with the fresh flavours, colours and textures of these SuperFood add ins: (SuperFoods are foods that pack an extra nutrient rich punch!) Here are a few of my favorites:
Hemp Hearts – (aka raw shelled hemp seed) Hemp Hearts have a slightly nutty taste, similar to a sunflower seed or pine nut. Per 30 gram serving, Hemp Hearts contain 10 grams of plant-based protein and 10 grams of Omega fatty acids.
Chia Seeds – Ancient cultures throughout Central America have long enjoyed chia seeds as a key part of their food and medicine. The seeds were even used as currency. They are loaded with omega fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and dietary fiber. They have a mild nutty flavor, and since they absorb liquid, they’re ideal for hydration and feeling full.
Dried Goji Berries – Goji berries have been enjoyed for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. A surprisingly strong source of protein, goji berries also contain a wealth of antioxidants and over 20 vitamins and minerals.
Cashew Nuts – Cashews provide an impressive profile of beneficial oils, including an ideal ratio of healthy saturated, mono-unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. They’re also a good source of plant-based protein, iron, and trace minerals.
Dried Dragonfruit – Dragonfruit Slices provide the wonderful sweet flavour of this tropical superfruit in a convenient, chewy, dried fruit form. This exotic-looking superfruit also has unusual nutrition benefits including omega 3’s, protein, iron, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support hydration.
Tumeric Almonds – This savory seasoned snack gains superfood nutrition from the combination of nutrient packed almonds and turmeric – a yellow spice that has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Turmeric is an herbaceous perennial plant in the ginger family that is prized for its anti-inflammatory effects. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and potassium. The nuts are naturally low in sugar, and are also a source of protein and fiber.
Pepitas – Pepitas are pumpkin seeds that contain an abundance of amino acids, unsaturated fats including omega-3, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc and phosphorous. They also provide beta-carotene and vitamins.
For more info on SuperFoods check out my blog: http://www.amandadiamond.com/super-salad-add-ins/