Healthy Alternatives to Your Favourite Treats: Superfood Swap Edition
When it comes to achieving optimal health, superfoods have become increasingly popular for their high nutrient content and numerous health benefits. Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods that are particularly rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Similarly, superfood supplements are concentrated forms of these nutrient-dense foods that can be added to your diet to increase your overall nutrient intake.Â
In this piece, we’re exploring the concept of superfood swaps with supplements, which can be an easy and effective way to make your favourite indulgences healthier. We'll share ideas for swapping out traditional snacks, drinks, and meals with superfood-infused alternatives that feature supplements for added health benefits. By incorporating these superfood swaps with supplements, you can indulge in your favourite foods while boosting your overall health.Â
So, let's dive in and discover the power of superfood swaps with supplements for a healthier and more fulfilling life!
Snacks and Treats
1.   Swap: Chips for Kale Chips with Spirulina
If you're craving something crunchy and salty, swap traditional potato chips for kale chips with spirulina. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, and when combined with spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, it becomes an even more powerful superfood. Spirulina is packed with protein, iron, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any snack.Â
To make kale chips with spirulina, simply toss chopped kale with olive oil and a sprinkle of spirulina powder, and bake in the oven until crispy.
2.   Swap: Ice Cream for “Nice” Cream with Maca Powder
For a healthier alternative to ice cream, try making “nice” cream with maca powder. Nice cream is a dairy-free ice cream alternative made from frozen bananas blended with other ingredients. Maca powder is a root vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals and has been shown to improve energy, mood, and hormone balance.Â
To make nice cream with maca powder, blend frozen bananas with your choice of plant-based milk and a tablespoon of maca powder until smooth. For added nutrition, you can also add other superfood ingredients like cacao powder, cacao nibs or chia seeds. Try serving your nice cream with fresh berries or sliced almonds for added texture and flavour.
3.   Swap: Candy for Dried Fruit with Goji Berries
If you're in the mood for a sweet treat, skip the candy aisle and reach for dried fruit with goji berries instead. Dried fruit is a great source of fibre and vitamins, and when combined with goji berries, it becomes an even more powerful superfood. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants and have been shown to boost immune function and improve overall health.Â
Look for dried fruit with goji berries at your local health food store, or try making your own by mixing dried goji berries with your favourite dried fruit like apricots, cranberries, or figs. Just be sure to choose dried fruit without added sugars or preservatives to keep your snack as healthy as possible.
Drinks
1.   Swap: Soft drink for Kombucha with Chlorella
Enjoy a healthier alternative to soft drink by switching to kombucha with chlorella. Kombucha is a fermented tea that is packed with probiotics, which can improve gut health and boost immunity. Chlorella is a type of green algae that is rich in vitamins and minerals and has been shown to detoxify the body and boost energy levels.Â
Look for kombucha brands that include chlorella as an ingredient or try making your own by adding chlorella powder to your favourite store-bought kombucha. Some recommended kombucha flavours with chlorella include ginger, lemon, and berry.
2.   Swap: Coffee for Matcha with Moringa Powder
For all the coffee lovers out there, you can try switching to matcha with moringa powder. Matcha is a powdered green tea that is rich in antioxidants and can improve mental clarity and focus. Moringa powder comes from the leaves of the moringa tree, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to lower blood sugar levels.Â
To make matcha with moringa powder, simply whisk together one teaspoon of matcha powder and one teaspoon of moringa powder with hot water or your favourite non-dairy milk. You can also sweeten your matcha with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
3.   Swap: Juice for Green Smoothie with Wheatgrass
Instead of drinking sugary juice, try making a green smoothie with wheatgrass for added nutrition. Wheatgrass is a type of young grass that is rich in vitamins and minerals and has been shown to improve digestion and lower inflammation. When combined with other superfood ingredients like spinach and avocado, it makes a powerful and nutrient-dense smoothie.Â
To make a green smoothie with wheatgrass, blend together spinach, frozen bananas, avocado, almond milk, and a tablespoon of wheatgrass powder until smooth. You can also add other superfood ingredients like chia seeds or berries for a boost of flavour (and nutrition!).
Meals
1.   Swap: Pizza for Cauliflower Pizza Crust with Chia Seeds
For a healthy alternative to pizza, try making a cauliflower pizza crust with chia seeds. Cauliflower is low in calories and high in fibre, and when combined with chia seeds, it becomes an even more powerful superfood. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve brain function and lower inflammation.Â
To make cauliflower pizza crust with chia seeds, blend cooked cauliflower with chia seeds, almond flour, and spices until smooth. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet, and bake until crispy. You can also find pre-made cauliflower crusts with chia seeds at some health food stores or online.
2.   Swap: Pasta for Zucchini Noodles with Hemp Seeds
If you're a pasta lover, try swapping it out for zucchini noodles with hemp seeds for added nutrition. Zucchini noodles are low in calories and high in fibre; when combined with hemp seeds, they become a nutrient-dense superfood. Hemp seeds are rich in protein and essential fatty acids and can improve heart health and lower inflammation.Â
To make zucchini noodles with hemp seeds, use a spiralizer to create long, thin zucchini noodles. Toss them with your favourite sauce, and sprinkle them with hemp seeds for more nutrition and texture.
3.   Swap: Burgers for Portobello Mushroom Burgers with Turmeric
Instead of traditional burgers, try making portobello mushroom burgers with turmeric. Portobello mushrooms are low in calories and high in antioxidants, and when cooked with turmeric, they become a nutrient-packed superfood. Turmeric is a spice that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve brain function.
To make portobello mushroom burgers with turmeric, marinate sliced portobello mushrooms in a mixture of olive oil, turmeric, and other spices, and grill until tender. Serve them on a whole grain bun with your favourite toppings like avocado and tomato.
Get Your Superfood Fix
While indulging in your favourite treats is okay in moderation, superfood swaps with supplements can provide added health benefits that traditional snacks cannot. By making simple swaps, you can easily upgrade your diet and satisfy your cravings, while also providing your body with the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it needs.Â
So, what are you waiting for? Try some of these superfood swaps and see how they can help you achieve optimal health.Â
You can find a load of different superfood supplements right here at Superfoods Australia. We stock a huge range of powdered extracts, tinctures and capsules, so that it’s easy to add superfoods to your diet.Â
