Food Friends With Benefits

Whether you’re just looking for a quick pick-me-up, or ready to take your healthy diet to a new level, superfoods are the hot ticket.  You’ve heard us wax rhapsodic about these tasty treaters before, but now (with some love from our Homies at Navitas Naturals) we are giving you the total rundown of what is so worth adding to your daily intake. Not your average munchie, these special foods are power-packed with naturally-occurring nutrients that are key to feeling (and looking) amazing.

Here’s our five fave foods to boost energy levels and enhance health:

• ACAI - A purple berry from the Amazon, best known as a popular energy food among the sexy Brazilian surfer crowd. Acai berries may be small in size, but they taste delicious and rank as one of the world’s highest known source of antioxidants. Unfortunately, no sexy Brazilian surfers seem to be included.
• MACA – Maca’s magic is due to its properties as an incredible adaptogen. By naturally supporting the body’s adrenal glands, this root helps balance unruly “h” monsters (medically referred to as hormones), functions as a great stress regulator, and even helps manage a healthy libido.  We even know a few folks who swear by taking maca when trying to get pregnant (ps… it works!)
• GOJI - Used medicinally in China for centuries, the goji berry’s natural vitamins and exceptional antioxidant levels have put this fruit in the spotlight. As a great tasting mild dried berry, it’s simple to toss into just about anything for an instant feel-good boost. Easy.
• CACAO - Chocolate in its raw form is extremely good for you – and no, you’re not dreaming. One of the highest natural sources of magnesium (and other minerals like iron and calcium), Navitas’ raw cacao also offers a dose of antioxidants that’s higher than your 4 inch heels — an unbelievable 950 per gram ORAC reading.
• HEMP - The only kind of high you’ll get from eating hemp seeds is a nutritional one, as this powerfood is full of balanced nutrition. Hemp provides excellent quality protein, minerals, fiber, and healthy omega fats – which support gorgeous skin and hair amongst other things.

Navitas Naturals is home of power foods – packaged conveniently for the modern lifestyle, and they have done all the boring nutritional homework for you – searching out the healthiest, hottest, most energy-dense foods the great globe has to offer.  The result is an impressive collection of amazingly beneficial organic superfoods – and grounded in the company’s eco-friendly practices and fair-trade policies. You’ll be proud to tote Navitas’ chicly packaged products, and you’ll love on their website for in-the-know info, and a plethora of delish recipes are all in the name of simply making the message of health via superfoods easy and tasty.

Ready for a taste? Here’s a couple amazingly yummy recipes get you started:

Super Berry Smoothie

• 1/2 cup Navitas Naturals Goji Berries
• 2 Tbsp Navitas Naturals Acai Powder
• ¼ cup Navitas Naturals Hemp Seeds
• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 2 cups almond milk (plus more to blend, if needed)
• 2 Tbsp agave nectar
• stevia powder to taste (optional)
• handful ice.

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serves 2.

Rich Chocolate Pudding

Photo/ Recipe via Gabrielle Brick

• 1/3 cup Navitas Naturals Cacao Powder
• 2 tsp Navitas Naturals Maca Powder
• 1 avocado
• 4 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Process all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth and silky. Top with fresh berries and mint, if desired. Serves 2.

Navitas Naturals products can be found in health food stores or online, and for GirlieGirl Army warrior goddesses n’ studs, enjoy  20% off any purchase made on www.NavitasNaturals.com and a free recipe booklet with each purchase! Use code GGArmy20 at checkout. Offer good through Nov 15, 2009.   Trust us, this is one discount code you will TOTALLY want to take advantage of!

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