Welcome to a new feature for A Beautiful Recovery: Health and Wellness!

We are going to talk about some downright deliciously awesome foods for you to start incorporating, if you wish, into your daily lifestyle. There will be one new feature bi-weekly. On the alternate weeks, I thought we would introduce some health-related discussions to spark a personal check-in and centering. No need to feel overwhelmed: just sit back, relax, and prepare to have your mind explode on just how amazing and nutritious food can be.

If you miss a week or want to recheck nutritional information, simply head over to the Food 101 tab. You can then either click that directly or go through the tab drop down.

*** Also, please do not think I am a healthy superhero warrior princess. I enjoy these foods based on my budget, availability, and desire. The thing with nutritious foods, especially the media-crazed ones, is often we get drawn into the trap that to be healthy these foods must be a part of our daily eating routines. Definitely, definitely, definitely not true. Eat what you like, don’t eat what you don’t desire, and let your body guide you through your cravings. Each body is different and therefore desires, craves, and is fueled by various diets.

Food is an awesome tool that can help us feel magnificent, but it is not the end-all-be-all. It is secondary to all that which sustains us: our relationships, how we spend our days, our physical activity, and our spirituality. So please take in what you wish, and my hope is that you fall in love with food the way that I have.

To start us off is...

Maca

Lepidium meyeni, Maca root, Peruvian Ginseng

Maca (mah-cah) is a plant vegetable from the broccoli family, historically grown in Peru. Maca Root, what we are talking about today, refers to the root of the Maca plant which closely resembles a turnip. Maca can be red, black, pink, or yellow. It has a very earthy taste. See below for ways to incorporate it deliciously into your diet.

Maca has been used for centuries in Southern America to improve the libido, as an anti-depressant, to lower anxiety, elevate memory and cognition, for physical strength and endurance, as well as increase general well being. The tests done on Maca often report not overly significant data, but the mineral and vitamin composition of this root have deemed it a Superfood in health communities.

What it can help with ||

Reduces symptoms of menopause, with no influence on hormones
Improve sexual function
Increase libido
Lower depression and anxiety (in those with preexisting conditions)
Elevate cognitive function and mental clarity
Increase physical strength and endurance

Nutritional Benefits || just some of the amazing qualities… per 100g or 7.5 tablespoons

Protein // 14g
Fiber // 7g | 29% DV
Vitamin C // 475% DV
Vitamin B6 // 57% DV
Iron// 82% DV
Potassium// 57% DV

How I can use it ||

*Powdered form// as seen in the picture above

Add it to a smoothie, on top of cereal or granola, stirred into non-dairy milk, baked into desserts, the list goes on and on
A little goes a long way! Start with 1 tsp. and gradually increase; starting small allows you to control the depth of flavor
Go-To Recipe:
- 1 Medium Banana
- 1 cup Coconut Water (or water or non-dairy milk or mix)
- 1/2 tbsp. Chia Seed
- 1 tsp. Maca Powder
- Spices to Taste (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, etc.)

Capsule form// you can also take Maca in capsule form if you don’t appreciate the taste, but still want the benefits

* how I like to use it!

[image by Emily Friend]