Is it possible to include superfoods into your everyday diet affordably?

Absolutely!

The Secret? 

First, you have to learn a new habit. It may seem daunting at first. (It took me a couple of months to get the hang of it myself) Yet, cnce you get started, it is actually kind of fun and it is easy. So easy, it is on par with brushing your teeth. And your body and mind will LOVE you for it.

Above: What happening in my kitchen this week. While this may not look like appetizing, this affordable superfood can be made delicious easily. Read below to learn more :-)

So what's the secret???

Drum Roll Please....!

If you have not already guessed...the answer is:

Sprouts! Yes, I LOVE Sprouts. (Especially those made from very affordable sunflower seeds. See picture above :-) 
And you can love sprouts too ;-)

A few reasons to LOVE...Sprouts

(1) Sprouts are predigested. This means the sprouting process breaks down the protein, fats and carbohydrates so your body does not have to and you can more easily assimilate the nutrients =  more energy + more vitality + healthier looking skin = gives you a GLOW inside and out.

(2) Sprouting increases vitamin content by 100s of percent, thereby making them a SUPERFOOD! A cool fact I found from surfing the internet:

"A study conducted at Yale University by Dr Paul Barkholden found that B vitamins increased in sprouts by as much as 2000 per cent" (from "You Are What You Eat", p212, Gillian McKeith)

Click here for reference.

Julie's Note: B vitamins help your body better adapt to stress. B vitamins makes you feel calm and are a natural remedy for our high stress lives and keep you feeling and looking young ;-)

(3) Sunflower seeds help you GLOW from the inside out. These magical seeds contain an amino acid called tryptophan. Trypotophan helps to produce a neurotransmitter called serotonin, that when released by our bodies, makes us feel relaxed and content.

(4) And GLOW from outside. Sunflower seeds contain high amounts of vitamin E which acts as a powerful antioxidant to counteract damage from free radicals caused by toxins. Free radical damage is one of the leading causes of premature wrinkles

So the next question, (and most important), is how to integrate them into your everyday?

To sprout, simply follow these steps:

(1) Soak seeds overnight in filtered water. My favourite sprouts are sunflower, mung bean and buckwheat. (Note if your seeds/legumes are radiated they will not sprout. So best to get organic and raw) You can add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar to your water to help break down enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid.

(2) Rinse and place in jar and cover with a breathable covering as shown in picture below. You can use cheesecloth, a clean towel or a nut mylk bag. Place jar on a side angle so extra water can drip out. Sprouts like moisture but do not like to be soaked.

Above: I am sprouting kamut to make probiotic vitamin B rich rejuvelac. Yum!!

(3) Wait...and then watch them come to life. Ta da!! It is recommended that you rinse them once to twice per day. I sometimes forget and they still turn out :-)

(4) Next use them to top off salads, add to your morning oatmeal, make them into seed mylk..When you sprout something, they become a complete protein. Sprouts can turn whatever you are eating into an energizing light meal. And they are versatile. Today, I dehydrated mine, put them in a jar and store in my fridge for a couple of weeks (to save time). I will be using these to top off salads and for quick snacks when I don't have time to prepare food. While I have an expensive dehydrator, you can get away with an inexpensive one from Craig's list for dehydrating sprouts, seeds and nuts.
 
I look forward to pairing them with a Lemon Thyme (yes Lemon LOVES...Thyme :-) homemade dressings I have made Voila!! Healthy Everyday at its finest.

An other convenient option is GLOWnola, a breakfast cereal/snack I produce made from sprouted buckwheat, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Click here for more info.

Bon Appetit.

With Love,