Five Festive Red and Green Super Foods

Holiday festivities are upon us with cocktail parties, cookie swaps and happy hours filling the social calendar. The idea of sticking to a healthy diet may seem impossible. Before you resign yourself to either turning down party invites or accepting a few extra pounds, consider for a minute this list of superfoods that will help keep you on track and still let you indulge a little bit this holiday season.  

Spirulina

This blue - green alga is packed with amino acids, protein, essential fatty acids, and iron. It is one of the world’s richest sources of Vitamin B-12.  Studies have shown it can help lower cholesterol and improve the immune system. Sold in a powder form, spirulina is a great ingredient for smoothies.  

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a beautiful red fruit with a thick inedible outer skin, but inside they have hundreds of small edible seeds.  One cup of these seeds offers 7 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein, which helps you to feel full. The seeds are great eaten as is with Greek yogurt, or juiced.  Pomegranates are plentiful this time of year and are often associated with the holidays.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are everywhere right now.  They are a plant-based source of antioxidants, and are high in Vitamin C.  Studies have shown that they aid in weight loss, with a group of overweight people losing inches in their waist after drinking goji juice for two weeks, while those taking a placebo did not see any change to their waistlines.  Goji berries can be found in juice, whole, or in powder form.  I have even seen them covered in dark chocolate.

Spinach

Popeye knew what he was doing by eating his spinach. This leafy green vegetable is loaded with iron and water.  Used in green smoothies, wilt it down for a side dish, or eat it raw in salads. It’s important to get adequate amounts of iron and stay hydrated. Spinach is a great veggie to help you do that.

Cherries

Cherries offer a host of health benefits. They are a source of anthocyanins and cyanidin both help to reduce inflammation and minimize the risk of stroke.  Cherries are wonderful ingredients for smoothies and paired with coconut milk they make a healthy topping for desserts.  Or just eat it plain as a low cal frozen treat.

These five festive red and green superfoods are also key ingredients in Shakeology.  You can indulge in a Shakeology before you head out to the next holiday gathering and not feel tempted to overindulge at the dessert table.

For more info on the benefits of Shakeology ® message me and I’ll be happy to help you find the right one for your needs.