Get Up to 900% MORE NUTRITION from Sprouts Versus Fully Grown Foods

Sprouting foods is the ultimate vegan or vegetarian staple food because of their high levels of nutritional value. It’s been proven that sprouts carry abnormally high levels of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients when compared to fully grown foods.

You can reap the incredible health and nutritional benefits of sprouts just 2 to 8 days after you start the germination process! By doing so, you can grow some of the most nutritionally potent foods in the world in less than a week! Just like microgreens, sprouts from vegetable seeds, bean and nuts contain considerable amounts of nutrients in the form of phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. When compared to fully grown foods, there’s just NO COMPARISON.

Here are some details about nutrition from sprouts versus fully grown foods that you may not be aware of:
 

Sprouts contain very high levels of protein that are easily absorbable and digestible (plant based proteins).

Sprouts contain more calcium, potassium, iron, sodium and Vitamins A, B1/2/3 and C when compared to their fully grown counterparts.

By soaking nuts and seeds (which is the start of a sprout germination process), you can lesson nutritional depletion and remove toxins. This process can also remove phytates that inhibit the absorption of iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium.

Sprouting peas can yield 800% more Vitamin C then fully grown peas.

Sprouting broccoli (after just 3 days) can yield up to 50 times more phytonutrients than consuming a mature broccoli spear.

Sprouting alfalfa grains contains more natural chlorophyll than mater parsley, kale, spinach or cabbage.

Of course, you can find microgreens and organic sprouts in any health food/organic store. However, it is just as easy for you to grow your own sprouts. It’s clean and simple to do. Plus sprouting is economic considering the high nutritional value of food you get for your dollar.

Juice Booster Ingredients > Want to Elevate Your Smoothie or Juice Blend to the next level?

 
If you are looking for 5 new ingredients to add to your morning smoothie or juice, please read on! These five organic, natural and raw ingredients will pack your drink with lots of nutrition, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and trace elements that will keep you going through the day! If you missed SET 1 – JUICE BOOST INGREDIENTS, click here or our new SET 3 – SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS. Otherwise, here are 5 new nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost!

Juice Booster #6 > Just Add Spinach

An easy way to elevate the health benefits and nutritional value of your juice blend, spinach is one of nature’s best superfoods. A cup of spinach has nearly 20% of your daily dietary fiber requirements which will help in your digestive processes and lower your blood pressure. Recent studies also link spinach to fighting prostate and other cancer with its high levels of phytonutrients. Adding spinach as a juice booster also improves your vision, disease immunity, and brain function in addition to maintaining healthy bones and skin. Just adding spinach to your juice or smoothie will also fight inflammation. Spinach is also very high in antioxidants, which help in combating atherosclerosis as well as osteoporosis. You can find organic spinach at any local grocer or farmer’s market or you can easily grow your own. Spinach is one of our favorite juice boost ingredients!

Smoothie Boost Ingredient #7 > Just Add Hemp Seeds

One of our favourite juice boost ingredients at Just Add Good Stuff is hemp seeds. This is nature’s highest botanical source of essential fatty acids. Hemp Seed as a smoothie booster ingredient will aid as an anti-inflammatory agent, improving circulation and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, there are no known allergies to hemp seeds, so they are completely safe for people who are sensitive to lactose, sugar, gluten or nuts. In addition, food cravings are reduced and therefore, hemp seeds are often added into a weight loss program. A juice boost ingredient like hemp seeds will also help you increase focus and energy levels in addition to reducing stress. Hemp seeds are a superfood and there are several reasons for this. They contain high levels of protein (including 20 amino acids … and all 9 essential amino acids). In addition, the hemp seed juice booster also contains fatty acids, Vitamin E and lots of fiber. They are easy to digest and offer a rich source of natural phytonutrients, the disease protection that will aid in your immunity against diseases and infection. Just Add Hemp Seeds!

Juice Booster #8 > Just Add Maca

Derived from a herbaceous plant that is found on the high plateaus of the Ande’s Mountains in Peru, South America, the maca root vegetable has often been referred to as the ‘Peruvian Ginseng’ because of its many health benefits. Often coming in powder form, adding maca as a juice booster will give you lots of added nutrients and energy. A relative of the turnip and rash, the maca root smells a bit like butterscotch and adding maca to your morning smoothie or as a juice booster will help treat everything from chronic fatigue to anemia. Not only that, but maca in any form when consumed will reduce stress levels, anxiety, depression and help balance your mood. In addition, the maca juice booster can also contribute to clearing acne in a natural way in addition to promoting sexual function in both femals and males. Athletes use maca juice boosters to increase energy. WARNING > DO NOT add maca to your smoothie or juice booster if you are breast feeding or if you are pregnant.

Smoothie Booster Ingredient #9 > Just Add Lemon

Many of us forget that lemons help us balance our body’s pH levels. Although acidic in taste, once our body metabolizes lemon, they are alkaline which is the key to good health. Just add lemon into your daily smoothie or juice to boost your immune system as lemons are very high in Vitamin C and potassium. In addition, studies have shown that pectin fiber in lemons help curb food cravings and therefore have been an essential ingredient in many weight loss programs. As well, the smoothie booster ingredient also aids our gastrointestinal tract and keeps things moving in our digestive system. Another often overlooked property of lemons is that they hydrate our lymph system which prevents dehydration and adrenal fatigue. The lemon juice boost also decreases blemishes, acne and wrinkles, promoting healthier skin.

Juice Booster #10 > Just Add Seaweed

Seaweed has been around for centuries and it serves as an ideal choice for any morning juice blend or smoothie if you are looking for more Vitamin A and C as well as magnesium, iodine and calcium. Seaweed doesn’t contain any fat, and a serving only contains 5 to 10 calories, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. The juice booster seaweed includes edible species like Red Dulse, Black Hijiki and Green Kumba, and all are equally nutritious and tasty additions to your smoothie or juice booster. Some of the health benefits of seaweed include aiding your digestive system and lowering your high blood pressure. As well, recent studies have shown that adding seaweed into your diet may have anti-cancer properties. So instead of just having seaweed as part of your sushi roll, try seaweed as a juice booster!

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: spinach, hemp seeds, maca, lemons and seaweeds.

Key Tips to STAY AWAKE… without caffeine

Having troubles getting up in the morning even with a good nights’ sleep? Having problems staying awake at work? Do you have problems staying awake after a rigorous work out? Feel like taking a nap after a heavy meal? Below are some key tips to stay awake during the day… (hint hint … it doesn’t include drinking caffeine or taking caffeine pills!)

Millions of North Americans are addicted to caffeine. Caffeine in itself, if taken in moderation is actually not that harmful to the human body or mind. However, excessive caffeine intake produces many side effects that are tough to reverse. Caffeine addiction is getting more prevalent in today’s society as people get caught up with work, are stressed out, get less sleep and don’t eat well. And in many cases, we aren’t even aware that we are addicted to caffeine in order to stay awake and focus on the tasks at hand. Some of the negative effects of caffeine addiction include having problems sleeping, getting dependent on caffeine in order to focus or stay awake during the day, needing caffeine to wake up in the morning, post caffeine intake crashes when the effect wears off and diuretic problems. In some cases, caffeine addiction used to keep you awake during the day, also prevents you from sleeping during the night. And so the cycle continues until you eventually burn out.

There are many ways to get out of this caffeine routine. Some keys to getting up in the morning and staying awake and focussed during the day is in your diet and food that you eat. It’s no surprise that the food that you eat provides the fuel that you need to get through a day. So if you consume the right and nutritious foods that are nutrient rich, chances are, you will have enough fuel to last you through the day without having to consume any caffeine.

 
Here are key tips to stay awake without the use of caffeine!

Key #1 > Reduce the Meat

 
Meat is protein rich and usually high in fat. Therefore, meat is more difficult to digest when compared to whole foods, vegetables and fruit. As the process of digestion takes longer, more energy is required to process meats through our body, which essentially wear us out. In addition, many types of meat are pesticide ridden and contain tonnes of hormones which can also impact your energy levels during the day.

Key #2 > Drink Lots of Water

 
As our bodies are composed of mostly water, our mind and body requires lots of water for hydration and proper system function. It’s recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses of water, and even more if you are exercising or playing sports. If you find that your urine is darker than a pale yellow color, chances are, you aren’t drinking enough water to keep you hydrated as well as to flush out toxins that may be building up in your body during the day. Lack of adequate water will make you sleepy and fatigued.

Key #3 > Don’t Snack on Sugary Foods

 
If you find yourself snacking on candy or other foods high in refined sugar, chances are you will get a mid afternoon burn out. By 3pm in the afternoon, our body is usually very low in blood sugar and therefore, we tend to snack at that time (usually have a cup of coffee or eat a candy bar). By snacking on foods that are high in refined sugars, we are actually only causing more problems. To avoid the sugar cravings in the afternoon, try snacking on whole foods and fruit with a low glycemic index rating instead.

Key #4 > Eat Less But More Often

 
Instead of going with the traditional 3 meal routine (breakfast, lunch and dinner) that we are all so used to since we were kids, go with a 4 to 5 meal program. Since blood sugar levels play an essential role in our energy levels through the day, eating fewer and larger meals tends to cause our sugar levels to spike and crash. This is especially true when there are 5 or more hours in between meals. Splitting up our nutrition intake into four or five smaller meals a day will prevent the spikes and crashes in our blood glucose levels, giving us a more balanced feeling of being nutritionally satisfied throughout the day.

Key #5 > Say YES to Whole Foods

 
Whole foods such as seeds provide nutritional balance that takes time for our bodies to digest and break down, providing us more energy throughout the day and a more steady supply of energy after we consume them. Carbohydrate rich foods, on the other hand, are digested more quickly and require more energy for digestion, causing energy spikes and crashes that prevent us from staying awake during the day.

Key #6 > Say YES to Fruits

 
The key here is to eat fruit with low glycemic index ratings on an empty stomach. Because fruit takes less time to digest than denser carbohydrate and protein rich foods, eating organic raw fruits on an empty stomach will give our blood sugar levels a quick boost without the crash.

RECIPE > Turmeric Cumin Spicy Quinoa Recipe

Spicy and savoury… snack or main… appetizer or side. Our Just Add Good Stuff Turmeric Cumin Spicy Quinoa recipe is the ultimate ‘flexible’ dish. For non-vegans, this is the perfect way to introduce a healthy and hearty dish to your nutrition program. For vegans, the Turmeric Cumin Spicy Quinoa dish is a spin on an otherwise overused ingredient that becomes bland and boring.

We’re introducing a spicy quinoa dish for the first time.  Obviously, the spiciness or ‘heat’ comes from the Jalapeño pepper and depending on your tolerance, you can add as much or as little heat to your dish.  That’s why we call the Turmeric Cumin Spicy Quinoa recipe the most flexible of dishes.  Also, even though it’s spicy, there’s a great balance of flavours so that the heat doesn’t overwhelm your palette.  Add to it some nutritious vegetables and seeds, and you’ve got an ultimately healthy snack or side.

Turmeric Cumin Spicy Quinoa Recipe

 
Please share with your friends and family!
 

Servings: enough for a side or starter for 4 people
Preparation Time: 15 – 20 minutes

Here are the ingredients for the Turmeric Cumin Spicy Quinoa Recipe:

• 2 cups vegetable stock (no added salt or sugar and organic if possible)
• 1 pepper (organic green and/or red pepper)
• 1 Jalapeño pepper (organic)
• 1/2 onion (large organic)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (organic)
• 1 tsp turmeric (organic)
• 1/2 tsp cumin (organic and ground)

Here are the preparation directions for the Turmeric Cumin Spicy Quinoa Recipe:

Step 1: Wash all fresh ingredients
Step 2: Cook quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable stock
Step 3: Dice green/red pepper, Jalapeño pepper and onion

In a separate saucepan:

Step 4: Cook onion in coconut oil (or almond oil) until translucent
Step 5: Add green/red pepper, Jalapeño pepper and cumin
Step 6: Once cooked, add turmeric as it turns a lovely vibrant yellow
Step 7: Add cooked quinoa with the cooked vegetables
Step 8: Serve warm as a side dish or in a bowl
Step 9: Enjoy and Share!

Need a Juice Boost? Try Adding These 5 Nutritious Ingredients For Your Next Juice…

 
Need an ingredient change or addition to your juice routine? Getting tired of the same flavors? Not reaping the benefits of multiple superfoods in your juice? Here are 5 nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost! Click here for SET 2 JUICE BOOSTERS! Or our new SET 3 – SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS

Juice Boost Ingredient #1 > Just Add Kale

 
Leafy greens have amazing health benefits but there is one leafy green that outshines the rest. You’ve guessed it…. KALE is the #1 superfood when it comes to greens as it contains zero fat, is low in calories and high in fiber. In addition, kale is extremely high in iron, Vitamins A, C and K, calcium and powerful antioxidants. These vitamins and minerals give kale the edge when it comes to anti-inflammatory foods. Not only that, but this juice booster also gives you cardiovascular support and is a great detox superfood as well.

Juice Booster #2 > Just Add Chia Seeds

 
Many people have heard of chia seeds, but not many people add it to their morning smoothie or juice. We recommend adding chia seeds as a juice booster to start your morning off on the right foot. Just a tablespoon of chia seeds will do the trick. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory agents. It’s fiber cleans out our digestive tract too. Chia seeds as a juice boost also features amazing amounts of phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and manganese in addition to being a gluten free addition to your morning smoothie.

Juice Boost Ingredient #3 > Just Add Blueberries

 
Wild blueberries will give you a boost in essential anthocyanins, vitamin A, C, E & B complex in addition to several minerals that will boost your immunity and prevent infections. The high concentration of antioxidants will combat free radicals and lower your risk of heart disease through cardiovascular support. In addition, the blueberry juice booster will also help prevent cancers, improve brain function and aid in your urinary and digestive systems. Now this is a great juice boost for any morning juice or smoothie!

Juice Booster #4 > Just Add Spirulina

 
Not your average juice booster, spirulina is a cyanobacteria (algae) that is rich in health benefits. Incredibly high in protein and nutrients, spirulina is extremely rich in iron, B-12 content, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), omega-3 fatty acids, natural chlorophyll, potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, sodium and zinc just to name a few. As a juice boost spirulina will also give you great amounts of Vitamin B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), C, D, A and E! Not only that, but a spirulina juice boost will also help in preventing allergies and fat burning.

Juice Boost Ingredient #5 > Just Add Cacao

 
By using raw cacao powder or cacao nibs as a juice boost, you will be adding a healthy supply of potassium, calcium, Vitamin C, iron and copper into your daily diet. Also rich in magnesium and iron, cacao provides healthy doses of antioxidants to fight free radicals in addition to Vitamin E, copper and magnesium that help heart function. Cacao also balances serotonin levels which contribute to feelings of happiness and contentment.

Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: kale, chia seeds, blueberries, spirulina and cacao.

8 Signs That You Have a Vitamin Deficiency

Aches and pains, cracks or rashes, sleeping disorders and stress may be a result of many things. When you are not feeling 100%, your body is likely telling you that something is wrong. Sometimes, the signs are quite apparent right away and at other times, they just build up over time.

Your body will go to any length to let you know when there is something wrong. With unhealthy diets, little nutrition knowledge and lack of fitness, many of us have become vitamin deficient or mineral deficient in multiple ways. The latest studies say that over 80% of all North Americans are either vitamin deficient and/or mineral deficient in at least 2 ways. You may not get a life threatening disease from vitamin deficiency, but you can end up with impaired body and mind function. This can cause many human disorders including stress, weight loss, weight gain, immune impairment, sleeping problems, cardiovascular and digestive problems.

Some of the disorders caused by mineral deficiency and vitamin deficiency are evident externally, while other deficiencies are undetectable as they affect the inside of our mind and body like a cancer. If left untreated, the deficiencies may lead to longer term problems. Both a healthy set of vitamins and minerals are essential in property function of our body and mind.
 

Here are 8 signs that you have a vitamin deficiency or a mineral deficiency or a combination of both:

Sign #1: Painful muscle cramps

 
Vitamin/Mineral Deficiency: If you are suffering from painful cramping of the muscles in your toes, legs, feet or lower back, you are likely deficient in CALCIUM, POTASSIUM and/or MAGNESIUM. This can be caused by irregular or low intake of these minerals and vitamins through your diet and/or heaving sweating from fitness or hot weather.

How to Fix the Vitamin Deficiency: While exercising, make sure that you are eating more fruits and vegetables that are high in calcium, potassium and magnesium as your body tends to sweat these minerals and vitamins away, leaving you malnourished. The quick and easy fix is to eat more dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and even dandelion. Other vegetables high in these minerals include bok choy (a Chinese vegetable) and broccoli. Fruits that are high in magnesium, potassium and calcium are bananas, squash, cherries, grapefruit (in moderation) and apples of all types. Whole foods that can also fix this vitamin deficiency include hazelnuts and almonds.

Sign #2: Abnormal bleeding and failure to clot

 
Mineral/Vitamin Deficiency: In many ways, this is one of the most worrying of the body clues because it involves blood. When you have more bleeding than usual and/or failure of your blood to clot (from injuries, nose bleeds or cuts), you may be deficient in CALCIUM, PHOSPHOLIPID, VITAMIN C and VITAMIN K. This is usually caused by a lower than recommended intake of these vitamins in your diet. If this is a regular occurrence, you may have one of many coagulation problems or diseases and you should consult your health physician as soon as possible.

How to Fix the Vitamin Deficiency: When you have problems with bleeding and clotting, you need to pay attention to this ASAP. Here are some foods that are rich in calcium and vitamins that will help your condition: pinto beans, red beans, white beans, tofu, bok choy, kale, spinach and broccoli. If you are not vegan, you can also try salmon and sardines which are high in calcium. Other foods that are rich in Vitamin C and K include oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, tomatoes, sweet red peppers, potatoes and broccoli.

Sign #3: Cold sores and mouth sores

 
Mineral/Vitamin Deficiency: From the higher level, cold sores are actually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and it’s noted that most adults in North America have this virus. Usually, it is transferred via kissing or coming into close contact with someone who has an active outbreak. Certain things in our life and diet trigger the onset of cold and mouth sores, which can be prevented and treated in many ways including: flu/chest infections, exposure to sun, wind exposure, hormonal changes (like pregnancy) and emotional/physical stress. Therefore, cold sores are not directly linked to a vitamin deficiency or mineral deficiency.

How to Fix and Treat Cold Sores: although not directly caused by deficiencies in minerals or vitamins, cold sores can be treated and prevented by diet choices. Lysine is an essential amino acid that inhibits the spread of the herpes simplex virus. Foods that are rich in lysine include legumes (and for those we are not vegan, milk, fish, cheese and certain types of meat). In addition, lemon ointments, green tea, reishi, honey and zinc are all known to fight cold sores. Zinc is of particular note, because research studies have shown that zinc will make a cold sore go away faster.

Sign #4: Cracks around the mouth

 
Mineral/Vitamin Deficiency: This clue is different from the cold and mouth sores as this is just the cracking of the skin around your mouth. The vitamin and mineral deficiency when you have this condition is likely caused by a lack of IRON, INC, VITAMIN Bs like NIACIN (B3), RIBOFLAVIN (B2) and B12.

How to Fix Cracks Around Your Mouth: This is also an easy and quick fix. For vegans, look for legumes/lentils, peanuts, tahini, Swiss chard and sun dried tomatoes. In addition, for non-vegans, look to add poultry, certain seafoods (like oysters and clams), eggs and tuna into your diet. Vitamin C also enhances the absorption of iron, so pair the above iron rich foods with cauliflower, broccoli, kale and red bell peppers.

Sign #5: Abnormal numbness or tingling of the feet and/or hands

 
Vitamin/Mineral Deficiency: both tingling and numbness of the feet and/or hands is usually caused by a lack or deficiency in B VITAMINS. This lack of vitamins often causes anemia (destruction or slow development of red blood cells). This in turn results in hormonal imbalances, fatigue, depression and even anxiety. The deficiency in B Vitamins such as folate (B9), B12 and B6 can lead to more serious mental and body issues.

How to Fix this Vitamin Deficiency: Eat more organic vegetables that contain folate and other B Vitamins. These include beets, asparagus and spinach. Whole foods containing essential B Vitamins include black beans, lima beans, kidney beans and black beans. For non-vegans, add eggs, poultry, bi-valve seafood and octopus into your diet.

Sign #6: White or red acne like bumps all over

 
Mineral/Vitamin Deficiency: Most likely, you are deficient in multiple vitamins and minerals including: VITAMIN A, VITAMIN D and essential fatty acids. Sometimes it runs even deeper, as the red or white acne like bumps all over your body and face can be a result of a deficiency of beta carotene which the body uses to make Vitamin A. Untreated deficiencies of this type can lead to dry mucous membranes around the eyes, slow wound healing, cracked skin, dry and rough skin as well as reduced senses, so it can be serious!

How to Fix the White/Red Acne Like Bumps: Increase your daily intake of healthy fats (and reduce your intake of trans fats and saturated fats). This can be accomplished by eating more chia, hemp and flax seeds, walnuts and almonds and for non-vegans, sardines and salmon. For Vitamin A deficiencies, you can also add more dark leafy greens into your diet (including spinach and kale) in addition to vegetables like red bell peppers, sweet potatoes and of course, carrots.

Sign #7: Upset digestive system and bloating

 
The Vitamin Deficiency: If you are experiencing problems with your digestion, stomach aches and upset stomach after eating, you are likely deficient in VITAMIN B1 also called THIAMIN. The vitamin deficiency causes poor appetite, unintended weight loss, gastric upset, bloating, vomiting, and nausea. More serious forms of the Thiamin deficiency can even cause mental depression and an inability to concentrate.

The Fix for An Unhealthy Digestive System: There are many thiamin rich foods that you can add to your diet to fix the problems associated with stomach aches. These foods include: marmite (yeast extract), sesame butter/tahini, sunflower seeds, dried herbs (like coriander, poppy seeds and sage), pine nuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and pecans. Other non-vegan sources of thiamin include fish and pork chops. You can also try incorporating pro-biotics into your diet for better digestive system function.

Sign #8: Face rash and hair loss

 
Vitamin Deficiencies: Many people attribute both hair loss and a scaly red rash on the face to stress and lack of sleep. However, it can be a sign of a more serious vitamin deficiency that includes the lack of proper amounts of Biotin (Vitamin B7). This can cause not only pale, dry and scaly skin, both also emotional depression, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and hair loss. Unfortunately, our bodies are not designed to store most B vitamins, so we need to replenish them through diet and nutrition daily. In addition, weight lifters who eat raw eggs are particular vulnerable to a lack of Biotin (B7) because raw eggs are rich in avidin which decreases the absorption of Biotin in our system.

How to Fix the Face Rash and Hair Loss: For vegans, getting Biotin B7 vitamins into our system is as easy as eating more avocados, mushrooms, cauliflower, soy beans, nuts, bananas and raspberries. For non-vegans, you can eat for COOKED eggs (rather than raw eggs).

Do you have other weird body signs that you would like us at Just Add Good Stuff to research? Let us know and let’s continue this discussion!

WHEATGRASS Infographic > Just Add Wheatgrass… Here’s a look at wheat grass nutrition

Next in line for the Just Add Good Stuff INFOGRAPHIC SERIES is our Wheatgrass Infographic. The infographics (or infograms) that we are compiling provide you with interesting facts and things about the best vegetables, fruits, whole foods and general health. From weird and wacky facts to nutrition information per serving, these infographics is a starting point to help you kick start a more happy and healthy lifestyle. We hope you enjoy them!

 

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Just Add Wheatgrass! Wheatgrass (or wheat grass) is one of the best superfoods available! Wheatgrass is a powerful health food supplement that is packed with highly concentrated chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and enzymes. Because wheatgrass is a complete food that contains 98 of the 102 earth elements, it is often called a ‘superfood’. Here is our Wheatgrass Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of wheatgrass, wheatgrass nutrition information, wheatgrass recipes and some interesting facts about wheatgrass in general. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Wheatgrass Infographic:

TOP 10 Health Benefits of Wheatgrass as described in the Just Add Good Stuff Wheatgrass Infographic:

1. one of the best natural sources of living chlorophyll
2. activates white blood cells to boost your immune system
3. reduces high blood pressure and alleviates stress
4. contains beta-carotene which detoxifies the body
5. wheatgrass is high in vitamins A, B-Complex, C, E and K
6. helps prevent tooth decay and improves digestion
7. no known side effects and very few allergies
8. restores alkalinity to the blood and circulatory system
9. heals cuts and bruises when applied topically
10. contains powerful anti-aging properties

Wheatgrass Nutrition Facts as described on our Wheat Grass Infographic

• Serving Size = 1 tbsp (8 g)
• Calories = 35
• Calories from Fat = 0
• Total Fat = 0 g
• Cholesterol = 0 mg
• Sodium = 2 mg
• Potassium = 230 mg
• Total Carbohydrate = 4 g
• Dietary Fiber =2 g
• Sugars = 0 g
• Protein = 2 g
• Vitamin A = 80% RDI
• Vitamin C = 30% RDI
• Calcium = 4% RDI
• Iron = 10% RDI

Healthy Wheatgrass Recipes on our Wheatgrass Infographic

1. Green Monster smoothie
2. Single Wheatgrass shot
3. Avocado/Dill Wheatgrass spread/dip

* All of our recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan! Click here for more recipes!

Things You May Not Know About Wheatgrass as described on our Wheatgrass Infographic

• One ounce (shot) contains 103 vitamins, minerals and amino acids
• One ounce contains roughly the same nutritional value as 2.5 pounds of fresh green vegetables
• You can buy wheatgrass growing kits and harvest your own!
• Keeps hair from graying and returns its lustre
• Wheatgrass detoxifies the liver, circulatory & digestive systems
• Used as an excellent skin cleanser and moisterizer
• Used to treat cuts, rashes, burns, scrapes bites, poisin ivy, tumours
• Also used to treat sore throats and mouth sores
• Wheatgrass sweetens your breath and treats bad morning breath

The Just Add Good Stuff wheatgrass infographic (we also call it a wheat grass infograph) talks about general wheatgrass facts and nutrient information. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The wheatgrass infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of wheat grass which would affect our Top 10 wheatgrass health benefits on the Wheatgrass Infographic. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of wheat grass in various dishes, so our wheatgrass recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about wheatgrass in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Wheatgrass Infographic.

The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider.
‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.

GINGER INFOGRAPHIC > Just Add Ginger! Here’s a look at Ginger Nutrition

Here’s our second infogram in our INFOGRAPHIC SERIES on Just Add Good Stuff. The infographics give you some introductory information about health benefits, recipes and interesting facts about various whole foods, vegetables and fruits. We hope you enjoy them!

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Just Add Ginger! A powerful, aromatic,  gentle and flavorful herb, ginger or ginger root has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of ailments for centuries. The stunning health benefits are now being scientifically proven and they range from treating bacterial infections to digestion to cancer. Here is a Ginger Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of ginger, ginger nutrition information, ginger recipes and some interesting facts about ginger root. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic:

TOP 10 Health Benefits of Ginger as described on our Ginger Infographic:

1. treats and prevents multiple forms of cancer
2. prevents diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol
3. acts as a natural antibiotic to fight pathogenic bacteria
4. reduces pain & inflammation acting as a natural painkiller
5. treats nausea/motion sickness, heartburn & migraines
6. cures menstrual pain/cramps and morning sickness
7. prevents intestinal ulcers and gastric distress
8. fights fungal infections and toxicity in the body
9. important for heart health and fights gout & arthritis
10. boosts immune system to fight the cold and flu

Ginger Nutrition Facts as described on our Ginger Infographic

• Serving Size = 1 tsp
• Calories = 2
• Calories from Fat = 0
• Total Fat = 0.02 g
• Cholesterol = 0 mg
• Sodium = 0 mg
• Potassium = 8 mg
• Total Carbohydrate = 0.36 g
• Dietary Fiber = 0 g
• Sugars = 0.03 g
• Protein = 0.04 g
• Vitamin A = 0% RDI
• Vitamin C = 0% RDI
• Calcium = 0% RDI
• Iron = 0% RDI

Healthy Ginger Recipes as mentioned on our Ginger Infographic

1. Cacao Ginger dessert balls
2. Summer Peach Ginger smoothie
3. Miso Ginger Spring Salad dressing

* All of our recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan! Click here for more recipes!

Interesting Facts about Ginger on the Ginger Infographic

• Cultivation started in South Asia & has spread to East Africa and the Caribbean. Top producers are India, China & Indonesia.
• Although there are few negative side effects to consuming ginger, it can interact with some meds.
• Ginger root should be stored in a COOL & DRY place
• Ginger root is NOT actually a root, but a rhizome
• Choose robust / firm roots with a spicy fragrance and smooth skin
• Contains silicon for healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
• Plant is 30 – 60 cm tall and is extremely rare to find in the wild
• One of the most important herbs in the world
• Ginger is also used to treat heartworm problems in doggies!

The ginger infogram (or ginger infographic) talks about high-level information regarding the ginger root. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information about ginger and ginger root, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The ginger infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of ginger root which would affect our Top 10 ginger health benefits on the Ginger Infographic. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of ginger root in various dishes, so our ginger recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about blueberries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic.

The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider.
‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.

RECIPE > Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing

Want a great spring/summer salad dressing recipe?  Look no further as Just Add Good Stuff is publishing their favorite Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe right here!

Strawberries and mango are a perfect pairing when it comes to flavours, textures, colours and nutrition.  Both of these fabulous and nutritious fruits are combined in this simple and very quick salad dressing recipe that can go on any spring or summer mixed green salad.  Personally, we love the combination of fresh organic spinach, arugula, kale, cucumber and lettuce coupled with this Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing, but it’s really up to you.  Below is our recipe … let us know what you think and how we can improve it!

Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing Recipe

Please share with your friends and family!

Servings: enough for a starter salad for 6-8 people

Preparation Time: 5 to 10 minutes

Here are the ingredients for the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing:

1 mango (organic, ripe, champagne mangos are preferable)

8 strawberries (organic, ripe and large size, de-stemmed)

1/8 cup almond oil

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup lime juice

1/3 cup mango nectar (organic, no sugar added!)

2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed, organic)

2 tsp lemon zest

1 pinch salt

Here are the preparation directions for the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing:

Step 1: Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly

Step 2: Cut the fruit from the mango.  Try to get the least amount of ‘mango hair’ when cutting close to the pit.

Step 3: Add all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor.

Step 4: Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth

Step 5: Empty salad dressing into a serving container or a sealed jar for up to 5 days

Step 6: Serve with a mixed green salad of your choice

Step 7: Enjoy and Share with your friends and family

Remember that cooking is all about experimenting and changing things up all the time.

For instance, this Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe can easily be converted into a spread or dip.  By combining these ingredients along with some banana or avocado, you can easily make this salad dressing recipe into a thicker dip that goes well with gluten free crackers and breads.

Alternatively, the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe can also be cooked with chia seeds in order to create a jelly or jam spread.  This will be even thicker than the dip and will likely be sweeter as most of the moisture of the fruits will be boiled away.

Of course, Just Add Good Stuff promotes healthy, organic and raw foods as much as possible … so the closer it is to its natural state, the better and more nutritious the ingredients will be for your mind and body.

GOING VEGAN > How Veganism Has Changed My Life

My Vegan Experience > What I’ve Learned by Going Vegan

Since embarking on my vegan journey this year, I’ve received incredible support from family, friends and strangers.  I have to admit that many people, including myself, were very skeptical about veganism and how I could manage without eating my favourite foods that included fast foods, fruit juice and lots of candy.  It’s now been more than 5 months since my vegan experience began and this article serves to talk about things that I’ve learned by going vegan and how my life has changed due to veganism.

My initial goals for going vegan and learning about veganism included the following:

1. Live a healthier and happier life through a vegan diet and vegan lifestyle

2. Educate myself on general health and vegan nutrition programs

3. Become more aware of what I’m putting into and on my body through making tough conscious decisions

4. Debunk myths about veganism or vegans that were unconsciously planted in my brain during my adolescence

5. Continue my ever changing fitness and core training routines

6. Learn to cook (both raw dishes and cooked meals) that follow a vegan diet

7. Talk to and research about vegans or people who have experienced going vegan

8. Watch at least one documentary per week about food, water, whole foods plant based diets, veganism, vegetarianism, physiology or happiness/emotions

9. Inspire those around me to adopt a vegan diet and to experience veganism (for perhaps 1 month at least)

I haven’t felt more physically and mentally strong since going vegan five months ago.  It’s been a life-changing experience so far, and this 1 year experiment may need to last a lifetime.  I’m really enjoying educating myself about veganism and what it means to be vegan in addition to becoming more aware of everything surrounding us when it comes to our food supply, diet and fitness.  All of these things contribute to a healthier and happier life and I’m very grateful to have embarked on this vegan experience at this point in my life.  If you are interested in learning more about my first 5 months of going vegan, please read below.

My Vegan Experience > 10 Unexpected Personal Benefits of Going Vegan

1. Going vegan has allowed me to sleep a lot better.  I’ve never slept through a night before (unless with harmful medication), but now, I get at least 5 to 6 hours of solid sleep a night.  I attribute this to my vegan diet and lifestyle.

2. Simply said: I don’t get painful migraines anymore.  I used to get at least a migraine every other day.  They were painful and crippling both physiologically and mentally.  I couldn’t work, play or relax.  I haven’t had a single migraine since starting my vegan diet!

3. I also used to get allergies throughout the year that were triggered by pollen, temperature or altitude changes.  These allergies were often debilitating, causing an unstoppable runny nose, itchy eyes and migraines.  I still get allergies, but certainly not as bad as before I went vegan.  If I get a runny nose or itchy eyes, I can take a half dose antihistamine and the allergy will disappear completely.

4. Since my vegan experience began, my body weight has continued to be very stable (around 155-160 pounds).  As an athletic person who weight trains, I certainly didn’t want to lose any body weight or muscle mass by cutting out animal based proteins and whey protein powders from my daily routine.  However, I’m pleased to say that I’ve found plenty of plant based natural protein sources to accommodate my protein needs for fitness.

5. Further to my body’s physiological changes, I’ve noticed that my body fat content has actually decreased since going vegan.  I’ve now got a more ‘defined’ body that actually looks ‘more muscular’ even though my body weight hasn’t changed.

6. By switching to a whole foods plant based diet, I no longer have extreme tiredness in the afternoon (I often had to take naps around 2-3pm).  I also don’t have the sugar spikes and troughs throughout the day, which has lead to a more balanced and healthy life.

7. My teeth are whiter than before.  Yes, that’s correct!  My teeth have increasingly become more white since cutting out candy, refined sugars and sugary drinks from my diet.

8. My digestion is better and I’m more regular (enough said).  I also don’t get heartburn, cramps or bloating anymore (enough said there too).

9. I’m a lot less anxious now.  Whether it was too much caffeine or refined sugars, I was always anxious about something: work, schedules, travel and everything else.  Now, I feel like I’m a lot calmer and more patient with everything… which is who I was when I was younger.  It’s nice to get this feeling back. It’s great to have control again.

10. My skin is clearer and my hair is healthier and shinier.  I’ve also noticed that other small things have changed gradually, including healthier looking skin, hair and nails.

My Vegan Experience > 10 Interesting Things I’ve Learned by Going Vegan

1. Never assume anything.  Always educate yourself in what matters most to you.  If it’s veganism or going vegan or health & nutrition in general, self-educate.  It’s a life changing skill, so work on it!

2. My top 10 superfoods include: spirulina, raw cacao, maca, papaya, kale, spinach, chia, hemp, flax, lemon.  These are followed closely by: banana, goji, almond, pistachio, wheatgrass, blueberry, ginger and broccoli.

3. Top 10 food products that are most susceptible to food fraud: milk, olive oil, honey, saffron, fish, coffee, orange juice, apple juice, black pepper and tea leaves.

4. Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables that are laced with pesticides: apples, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, hot peppers, imported nectarines, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries and sweet bell peppers.  This is followed closely by kale and summer squash.

5. Clean Fifteen fruits and vegetables that are the cleanest and contain the fewest pesticides: asparagus, avocados, cabbage, cantaloupe, sweet corn, eggplant, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, mangos, mushrooms, onions, papayas, pineapples, sweet peas (frozen) and sweet potatoes.

6. The United States just approved a pesticide that has been linked to the Honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD whilst the European Union just banned the same substance for at least 2 years.

7. Always buy organic, locally grown produce.  Not only are they the safest to consume, but they are also the healthiest when it comes to nutritional value.

8. Almonds, cashews and hazelnuts have the highest nutritional value when it comes to nut nutrition.  This is followed by pistachios and peanuts.  Of course, these nuts should be roasted and not salted.

9. There are always more healthy alternatives and substitutes for unhealthy foods and processed products.  Take for instance… baking and eggs are synonymous with each other.  However, you can easily substitute an egg with 1 tablespoon of flax with 4 tablespoons of water when baking.  Or, you can also substitute refined sugar with organic dates, coconut palm sugar, stevia or honey.

10. Our bodies require a lot less food (in terms of weight/quantity) when we focus on eating nutritious whole foods and plant based foods.  Our bodies are filled with more nutritious calories (versus empty calories) which tell us to stop eating sooner.  Because of this, we spend less money on food now when compared to the pre-vegan lifestyle.  Now that’s food for thought.

My Vegan Experience > 5 Other Funny, Weird and Wacky Things About My Experience Going Vegan

1. It has only been 5 months, but organic wheatgrass has NOT stopped my hair from turning grey, nor has it turned my grey hair back to black.  Perhaps it’s just a myth, or maybe I need to keep growing and eating wheatgrass to see these benefits.  In any case, I’m not taking wheatgrass so that I stop greying … my friends tell me that I look more distinguished and perhaps sexy with grey.

2. I buy all of my organic produce from a local market on my way back from the gym.  It’s a family run Chinese market that sources fresh, organic and beautiful vegetables and fruit that I can’t get anywhere else.  They refer to me as ‘The Papaya Man’.  But lately, I’ve bought more organic kale than papaya, and so they’ve changed my name to ‘The Healthy Kale Guy’.  They’ll probably end up just calling me ‘The Strange Vegan Guy’.

3. Because I wanted a true vegan experience, I decided to start a vegetable garden in my backyard.  One day, the topsoil (essentially, it was shit … but I hate to use that word, but it really was just shit) arrived and they dumped it all in the back lane that is used often by my neighbours.  Unfortunately for me, I had to spend hours shoveling this manure into my vegetable gardens … it was tough work, smelled really horrific, but hopefully it was worth it.

4. While going out with friends and family, I often felt like a ‘social pariah’.  I felt like an outcast and sort of ‘isolated’ from my friends because not many other people were going through my vegan experience at the same time.  In addition, many people often made fun of my vegan diet and veganism in general, which was hard to take at first.  However, as time went by, I realized that these people were manifesting their own fears and doubts about their own diet, nutrition and fitness.  In many ways, there were only trying to justify their unhealthy lifestyle by putting down veganism, which is unfortunate.

5. When I went vegan, I didn’t know what kale, Swiss chard, spirulina, raw cacao or maca were.  No idea.  Didn’t know if they were vegetables or fruits or meat or whole foods.  Things have changed.

I started my ‘vegan’ experience by gradually taking out the ‘bad stuff’ and ‘bad food’ in my diet while continuing to exercise at least 5 times per week.  I didn’t go cold turkey on things like organic meats (mainly chicken and beef), gluten or dairy products.  I did, however, go cold turkey on all candy and fast food from the beginning. It took about 30 days (1 month) to get from a very unhealthy lifestyle to a completely healthy vegan diet and nutrition program.

I understand that many people don’t have the support network, time or commitment to make a full scale life-long change to veganism, and that’s why I started Just Add Good Stuff.  I want to inspire people to take on a whole foods plant based diet as much as possible, but I also understand the complexities of everyday life that are so unique to every person.

Therefore, Just Add Good Stuff, is all about taking the ‘bad stuff’ out of our lives gradually while adding more ‘good stuff’.  By doing so, you can still enjoy life to its fullest … and in many ways, by taking care of your health first, you will be much happier, successful and healthier in everyday life.

I am proud to call myself a vegan.  Now, I challenge you…