Astragalus, ashwagandha, maca root, oh my! If these strange, exotic sounding words are not familiar to you, they’re just a few of the adaptogenic herbs found in our favorite superfoods blend. At Absolute Wellness Center, we’ve been long time fans of such herbs, and carry pharmaceutical grade, through physician only versions of them. The difficulty with these formulations is, quite frankly, compliance. Supplements derived from whole foods often require large and frequent doses (as they should be consumed like real foods), and purchasing items individually can be quite costly. That’s why we LOVE our superfoods smoothies – they combine powerful, ancient nutrition to deliver a synergistic product that covers a lot of bases.
In my view, the superfoods are far more than meal replacement (although you could certainly use them as such) or (*cringe*) a protein shake. In the year and a half I’ve offered these, I’ve watched them improve hormonal issues like PCOS, infertility and PMS, autoimmune issues like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Crohn’s disease, digestive issues like IBS and irregularity and of course, weight loss.
Do note that this is a supplement, meant to supplement a proper, balanced whole food diet. They will not save or correct for a diet full of processed foods, but are meant to fill in the nutritional gaps produced by modern diets and soil depletion. Nutrition as a whole can certainly deliver external results, but also provide us with lasting health, vitality and energy. It’s also an arena that many people struggle to make lasting change. I’ve found the superfoods blend to be an incredible asset while people fight sugar cravings, junk food withdrawal and navigate their schedules around making appreciable change.
What’s in them? What do they do?
Adaptogenic Herb Blend: Ashwagandha, astragalus, cordyceps, ginkgo, maca, maitake, reishi, schisandra, tulsi: Helps protect the body from stress, support the immune system, and balance the endocrine system.
Super-Fruit/Antioxidant Blend: Camu-camu, acai, acerola cherry, bilberry, goji berry, grape seed, green tea, luo han guo, pomegranate, rose hips: Provides antioxidant support and helps promote a healthy heart and optimal blood pressure.
Protein: There are two options here: Whey: which I’m generally NOT a big fan of: (read why here) or a Vegan Blend including Sacha Inchi, Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Amaranth, Pea: Helps build lean muscles, improve skin and hair, support mental clarity, and reduce cravings.
Proprietary Pre- and Probiotic/Digestive Enzyme Blend: Yacon root, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease, Bromelain, Papain: Helps increase nutrient absorption, promotes regularity, and improves digestion
Super-Green/Phytonutrient Blend: Moringa, chlorella, spirulina, spinach, barley grass, kamut grass, wheat grass, oat grass: Helps alkalize the body and promotes detoxification of the liver, kidneys, and blood to restore health and vitality
You may have seen items with similar ingredient lists, and may have something similar in your pantry. The difference is quality. The ingredients are indigenously sourced (meaning in their natural habitat, not a factory in China) and co-impact sourcing helps give back to the communities from which they’re harvested.
How to use them
This is highly subjective. Each serving is roughly 160 calories, so they’re really only a meal replacement if you add other ingredients to them. I add avocado, spinach, cauli rice and nut butters to mine, but I know some people like them as a snack with water alone.
Sage advice: use them where you struggle. If you’re not a breakfast person, try there. If you crave sweets in the mid afternoon or evening, consume them then. I often make mine into something called a “lava bowl”: a warm treat that is a cake or brownie consistency (just without the guilt)! I also love making them into chocolate avocado mousses, protein balls, or “nice cream.” We’ve got LOTS of recipes to help you find a combo that works for you.
How to get them?
We’ve got you covered! Email us here and we’ll get you everything you need. The superfoods are a large part of the monthly nutrition and fitness accountability groups that we run. If you struggle with health and fitness changes, or just need to shake up your routine, this is for you!
