Superfood Spotlight: Blueberries

Chris swears by blueberries more than any other food. He simply loves them, adding them to cereal and smoothies or just eating them right out of the fridge. Blueberries are little rock stars. Here’s why:

Antioxidants- Blueberries are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals — unstable molecules linked to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s.


Manganese- Manganese plays an important role in bone development and in converting the proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food into to energy.  The USDA reports that 8 oz. of wild blueberries provide 4.54 mg of manganese.


Folate- Blueberries are a very good source of folate, a B vitamin necessary for nerve function and protein metabolism.


Fiber- These guys provide a very good amount of fiber (nearly 4 grams per cup). Most low-GI foods with strong fiber content are foods we can count on to be helpful in blood sugar regulation.

Blueberries are not only super, but they are also delicious and great in baked goods.

Check out there recipes for some ideas:
Blueberry Acai Smoothie . Banana Blueberry Pancakes . Blueberry Muffins . Blueberry Corn Salad . Blueberry Fruit Salad

The Podcast That Could Change Your Life

Shortly after I decided to go vegan I discovered a podcast that has changed my life. I'm not exaggerating; Colleen’s words have left me a more compassionate, healthier and happier person. I am so thankful for tuning into Colleen Patrick Goudreau’s “Vegetarian Food for Thought” podcast. Chris and I have since listened to most of the episodes and have tried to pass the information on to others. Some of my myth busting posts were directly inspired by the podcast.

Please take a little time to listen to a few of these episodes. There are so many topics to choose from and so much work put into them. Plus, they are free!

All you need to do is go to iTunes, search for “vegetarian food for thought,” download a few episodes and start listening (on the drive to work, at the gym, while shoveling, wherever). Colleen speaks frankly and honestly, but with compassion, humor and intelligence. Please check it out.

Episodes on nutrition:

Soy is Not Evil

An Essential Vitamin: B12

Milk is a natural food, and cows naturally give milk, so what's wrong with drinking it?

The Protein Myth and Vegetarianism

Episodes on lifestyle and culture:

Living Among Meat-Eaters

The Practical Aspects of Being Vegan

Transitioning to a Vegan Diet

Common Responses to Vegetarianism

Episodes on food:

Five Favorite Foods: Carrots, Dates, Walnuts, Oats, Brussels Sprouts

I Eat Only "White Meat" - In Defense of Chickens

Eat Your Vegetables!

Life After Cheese

Five Favorite Foods: Quinoa, Kale, Blueberries, Tempeh, and Tea

Replacing Eggs in Cooking and Baking

Other:

Greening Your Life

Speaking your Truth

Minding the Gatekeepers

Colleen has also written lots of amazing cookbooks!

Monday Munchies: Apple & Blueberry Porridge

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Cozy up with family and friends and devour a warm bowl of this healthy and nutrient packed porridge. Apple, blueberries, oats and chia seeds are featured in this comforting breakfast or lunch. Be merry.

Time: 15 mins   Serves: 1-2

• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup non-dairy or dairy milk (I use rice milk)
• ½ cup water
• tinny pinch of salt
• 1 tbs white chia seeds
• 1 large apple, finely grated to a pulp (use a zester)
• a handful of blueberries
• maple syrup to serve

Add the oats, milk, water, chia seeds and salt to a small pot with ¾ of the apple pulp. Bring to a simmer and allow to gently bubble for 1 minute while constantly stirring. Add the handful of blueberries towards the end and stir through. Transfer the cooked oats to a warm bowl, spoon on top the remaining apple pulp, dot a few extra blueberries around and drizzle with maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Merry Christmas To One And All

After a nice morning at home we are heading out to catch a flight to the Midwest. So excited to see family and friends and enjoy more holiday happiness. Wishing everyone a merry little christmas.

via pinterest.