Flaxseed - Awesome source of Omega 3 and Omega 6

My mother is by far no healthy person, even though she many times think she is, but she's been a huge fan of Flaxseeds (Linfrön in Swedish) since I was a kid. She's never explained the great effects of Flaxseeds any deeper, more than "it's good for you", but she was right. Flaxseeds is the one of the greatest sources of Omega 3 (fatty acid), Omega 6 and are also great source of Potassium (regulates the body's fluid balance).

Ground Flaxseeds are easily and quicker absorbed in the body, so always chose ground Flaxseeds. The seeds have a hard shell and are small so they usually goes straight through the body if not grounded.

Another great effect of just a small dose as one or two tablespoons per day of Flaxseeds will help you burn fat. I make raw crackers out of Flaxseeds and they gives me a sense of fullness and keep me energized. I also use Flaxseeds to make raw pizza crusts and much more. They are also cheap, so no excuse not to buy a big bag today.

Maca - Stress enemy #1

I've been on vacation on Tenerife for a week and got back home last night. This sounds super-nerdy but I've actually missed my Maca powder and the local juice-joint hadn't even heard of Maca, which is strange considering that the Conquistadors discovered this awesome superfood 500 years ago as their livestock had problems adapting to their new environment in Peru.

For those of you who already consume superfoods or have started this post will be nothing new to you. However, this awesome root is something I consume every day and it's one of the best superfoods for someone that lives a stressful life with a career, kids etc. The Maca powder helps preventing stress and helps restoring hormone balance. By consuming a daily dose of Maca you will help your body in it's battle with stress and eliminate sugar-cravings, which I have been struggling with for years.

Tropical Superfood Smoothie

Some mornings I don't just feel like anything for breakfast than a smoothie - a Superfood smoothie. This Tropical Superfood Smoothie is loaded with four different superfoods and kicks some serious punch - energy wise. This includes Bee Pollen as I wrote about earlier and it gives this smoothie a sweet flavor.

Ingredients:

1. 1 Mango (peeled, in pieces)


2. 1 Banana (in pieces)


3. 3 Oranges (juiced)


4. 1 Carrot (juiced)


5. 2 cm piece fresh Ginger


6. 2 tbsp Vegan Protein Powder (I used Sun Warrior Raw Vegan Protein this morning)


7. 1 tsp Maca


8. 1 tsp Lucuma


9. 1 tsp Mesquite


10. 1 tbsp Bee Pollen


11. 1 dl Water or more depending on how thick you like it

Mix everything and drink SLOWLY on an EMPTY stomach.

Bee Pollen - Don't let it vanish

Vanishing Of The Bees is the title of a 2010 documentary by George Langworthy and Maryam Henain. Until I saw the movie, I was unaware how big importance the Bees have to us all, regardless if you are on a plant-based diet or not. The DVD can be purchased through the website and is worth every penny.

Bee Pollen is an absolutely amazing Superfood and is a great source of vitamin B12. "Wait a minute! Did you say vitamin B12? Isn't that only available in meat?" No, it's not. It's available in Bee Pollen, Spirulina and other great superfoods. In fact, Bee Pollen has five to seven times more protein than beef. It is also a natural antidote for fighting allergies such as hayfever which is very common in Sweden during the spring and also sinusitus, which I get quite often. On top of that, it also works anti-aging and increases mental and physical capabilities.

By protecting our Bees, which are in great danger of being extinct, we can grow and get this awesome superfood. I order mine through Raw Food Shop in Sweden.

Superfood Banana - Cashew Yoghurt

If you're on a low carb diet this one will destroy it, but it's damn tasty and for me a great breakfast.

As the base for this is Cashew Cream you need to soak the Cashews at least eight hours before your breakfast. You find the recipe here.

Ingredients:

1/2 - 1 dl of Cashew Cream (Quite thick)

2 bananas

1 tsp of Agave Nectar

2 tsp of Tropical Fruit Mix Superfood Powder (available through Raw Food Shop in Sweden)

So, this is how it's done.

Mix everything into a yoghurt and enjoy!

Kickstart with Orange - Carrot & Maca Juice

Juicing is what really go me into vegetarian cooking and raw food and I still make juice like a madman every day. This juice has a dose of Maca root in it. The Maca root grows in the Andes of Peru and Bolivia and is not commonly called "Nature's Viagra" (mostly because of the high dose of the amino-acid L-Arginine) but it also enhances the hormone balance and energy. Maca is rich with B-, C- and E-Vitamin, Iron and Calcium (skip the dairy folks!).

This juice is quick but you need a juicer to make it as blending carrots will create a Carrot smoothie, which I don't recommend.

Ingredients:

1. 
   
   4-5 Medium sized Organic Carrots


2. 
   
   2 Oranges


3. 
   
   1 tablespoon of Maca Powder

Mix everything and drink SLOWLY on an EMPTY stomach. As I travel a lot in my job which is often associated with business dinners, wine I always come home and feel 200kgs heavier than when I left, so I go on a fast / detox for a week after I come home. Juicing is perfect and I combine it with nuts and seeds to provide me with the fiber I need.

Kale and Broccoli Green Juice

Are you one of those who believe cows milk is the resource for Calcium, we'll it's not. In fact, the Calcium absorbability in Kale is no less than 50% and Broccoli 52% compared to cows milk which has an absorbability of 2%. Add fat, cholesterol and the excessive amounts of antibiotics included in cows milk (less in organic of course) and you have a cocktail that you should avoid.

Anyways, this juice is great to serve as drink with your lunch, as a snack or to dinner i.e. whenever you feel like it. You do need a juicer to make this, but they come very cheap at almost any Supermarket that sells kitchen supplies.

Here's what you need:

1. 1 medium crown of Broccoli
2. 4-5 leaves of Kale
3. 2 stalks of Celery
4. 1 apple
5. 1 kiwi
6. 1 tablespoon of Wheat or Barley Grass (or both)

Juice everything and stir in the Wheat or Barley grass until solved completely. As the juice might separate, have a spoon handy to mix before you drink it.

Maca Mango Orange Banana Smoothie

I couldn't come up with a better name so I chose the more self-explainatory name. This is easy and you can use frozen Mango or fresh. Maca powder is awesome so this will ensure a positive feeling as you leave for work, school or whatever you're up to today.

Here we go.

1 Mango or 2 dl frozen cubed Mango

2 Oranges

1 Banana

1 Kiwi

1 tablespoon of Maca powder

Add some ice-cubes if you like it cold.

Mix and drink SLOWLY on an EMPTY stomach. This particular morning I didn't follow my own rule...

Afternoon Papaya & Superfood Smoothie

I love juice and smoothies, but most of all I love Superfoods. I always get funny remarks from people that I eat and drink weird stuff, but until you've tried it you have no idea what these Superfoods does to your body and ENERGY. This particular smoothie includes Maca (a Peruvian root that enhances your strength and stamina (also have a reputation to work as an Aphrodisiac), Mesquite (helps a constant blood-sugar level for a sustained period of time) and finally Camu-Camu (contains more vitamin C than any other plant in the world - from 30 to 60 times more than an Orange).

This smoothie is simple and you don't need a juicer to make it.

1/4 large Papaya (save the rest for your Papaya Carpaccio)

2 oranges

1 banana

1 tablespoon Maca

1/2 tablespoon Camu-Camu

1/2 tablespoon Mesquite

Mix it to a smoothie and enjoy SLOWLY and on an EMPTY STOMACH, unless you like burping, then just flush it down.

Vega Sequel - The best kept secret of the US and Canada

I discovered Vega as I read Brendan Braziers book Thrive. Now, I'm not an athlete in any way, but Vega Whole Foods Optimizer is a great supplement regardless if you're an athlete or not. I always add Vega Whole Foods Optimizer to my breakfast which is always 100% raw (including fruit, nuts and seeds).

Just to explain what Vega Whole Foods Optimizer is. This is as the packaging reads an all-in-one, natural plant-based formula which is rich in protein, fibre, Omega-3, antioxidants and much more. It is also Gluten-free.

Now, as I live in Sweden this is not available here and it's hard to find, but I did find it on a store which shipped it to Sweden. It was EXPENSIVE (as the shipping costs a fortune), but it is worth it. It is an investment in my health and in my life and it keeps me energized throughout the day.