5 Things You Need to Know About Superfoods {Giveaway – $100 value}

Curious about superfoods and what they are all about? Check out an informative interview with celebrity dietitian Desiree Nielsen, R.D as she shares 5 things you need to know about superfoods.

Also keep reading for a super fun giveaway below!

Superfood 101 With Desiree Nielsen, R.D.

1. “Superfood” is super hot right now. What does “superfood” mean to you?

All plant foods are super! To me, the word ‘superfood’ describes a plant food that exhibits incredible nutrient-density, meaning that it contains a higher concentration of nutrients than you might expect given its serving size. This might be the off-the-charts zinc content of pumpkin seeds or the fantastic protein content of hemp seeds. The key nutrients that make a food truly super are usually associated with exceptional health benefits, such as the ability of omega 3 fatty acids in chia and hemp seeds to fight chronic inflammation.

2. What are some superfoods to look out for at the grocery store?

We don’t give seeds enough credit! Adding chia or hemp seeds to your diet is so easy and boosts your omega 3 and mineral intake. I love how versatile and energizing coconut is, particularly for those on a gluten free diet looking for non-grain options. Dark chocolate is probably the only dessert that gets superfood status – always look for at least 70% cocoa solids, preferably organic. And greens always top my list for a daily superfood boost. Choose whichever you love, from broccoli to Brussels sprouts to kale.

3. What makes these foods super? And wait – did you say DARK CHOCOLATE? 

You bet! Polyphenols in cocoa are thought to help fight inflammation, support better skin, and promote heart health. Choosing at least 70% cocoa ensures you are getting more of these beneficial polyphenols. The healthy fats and soluble fibre of chia seeds helps slow the rate at which nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream, ensuring better blood sugar levels and more stable appetite. The protein and minerals in hemp seeds support muscle repair and immunity. Coconut is high in fibre for a healthy digestive tract and contains unique fats called medium chain triglycerides which are readily absorbed and preferentially burned for energy. And greens are super in so many ways: their high vitamin K and chlorophyll content fight inflammation, and unique sulfur-based phyto-chemicals support a healthy cell cycle and are part of a cancer-prevention diet. Remember, foods are gradual, incremental medicine; there is no such thing as overnight (or single meal) cures! Eating a healthy, plant-centred diet filled with super foods helps ensure a healthier, more energetic you over time.

4. What are some easy ways to incorporate superfoods like chia and hemp into your diet?

Seeds can be intimidating but they are so easy to add to your daily life. Try sprinkling Qi’a Superfood Cereal, with its trio of yummy super seeds, into a green smoothie or onto your morning oats. Seeds work well in salads (shake into dressings to help them cling to the veggies) or as a crunchy topping for yogurt. You could even turn Qi’a into a healthy chia pudding (I love pairing coconut milk with fresh or thawed mango here) or overnight oats, bursting with summer berries. And hands down the easiest ways to get your daily dose of super seeds is in an easy-to-pack, low sugar snack bar.

5. How do you get your kids to eat super foods? 

My four year old goes crazy for things in bar form…he is in love with the Qi’a Cranberry Dark Chocolate bars. We take them travelling or pack them as after school snacks when on the go. Seeds also are a natural fit for baking, so stir them into homemade cookies, muffins or quick breads.

Desiree Nielsen is a registered dietitian in Vancouver, Canada and the author of the book, Un-Junk Your Diet. A passionate supporter of organic, non-GMO foods, Desiree encourages her clients to adopt a more plant-centred diet for increased vitality and sustainability.

With delicious organic superfoods, including dark chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, chia, hemp, and coconut,  Nature’s Path Qi’a Superfood Snack Bars are packed with all the plant-based nutrition you need to fuel your active lifestyle. These bars are nutrition-approved by celebrity dietitian Desiree Nielsen, R.D. and are brought to you by Nature’s Path!

Flavours include Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond, Nuts & Seeds & Sea Salt, Blueberry Cashew Pumpkin Seed, Roasted Peanut Dark Chocolate, and Mocha Cocoa Hazelnut.

I’ve had the chance to try these bars before and they are seriously delicious!!! Now one lucky reader will get a chance to try them as well and win a pretty cool prize pack. See below.

THE GIVEAWAY

#OnMyPath #Qia Prize Pack (valued at $100)

• Beach? Yoga? Hiking? Where does your path lead? Well, we’ve got a variety of delicious new Nature’s Path Qi’a Superfood Snack Barsto energize you wherever life takes you.
• Copy of Desiree Nielsen’s latest book, Unjunk Your Diet! Learn about whole food nutrition and harness the superpower of organic plant foods to feel crazy good for the rest of your life. No deprivation, no guilt, no garbage.

Giveaway open to CAN/US residents. Enter to WIN via Rafflecopter. Good luck everyone! 

I was gifted product for sampling, this is however not a paid post and all opinions and views on this post are 100% my own.