5 Holiday Superfoods to Make You Super This Season!

In the midst of the myriad of holiday dinners and gatherings this year, you can still make an effort to include some healthy foods in your meals. Check out the top 5 superfoods you can take advantage of this holiday season!  

Turkey: This is usually on people’s menu for Christmas day dinner. Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, and also contains the trace mineral selenium, which has numerous health benefits. In fact, each serving of turkey contains almost half the body’s requirements for selenium. It also contains the B vitamin niacin (a cancer preventative) and vitamin B6 which aids in energy production by helping to process carbohydrates. Right now, our eatery has our full turkey dinner available at select locations, and it includes freshly carved free range turkey, gluten free quinoa stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, gluten free gravy, mashed regular or sweet potato, and roasted veggies. Or, get your free range or organic turkey at any of our locations this year for a healthy Christmas dinner!  

Cranberries: Cranberries are an excellent source of free radical scavenging antioxidants like vitamins C and E. These berries may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Solid research also backs up their role in preventing UTIs. And tis the season to enjoy them in all your festive drinks and recipes! Try them in our White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie recipe, made with almond flour and coconut sugar, or in a festive Cranberry Orange Nut Loaf, perfect for Christmas morning! We also have a recipe for a “Thanksgiving Punch” that would serve just as well as a holiday punch, made with cranberry juice, apple cider, fresh cranberries and cinnamon. (Or you could just check out Knudsen’s Sparkling Cranberry juice, perfect for a holiday party!) Or, make your own cranberry sauce this year with Sandy Pomeroy’s tried-and-true recipe below.  

Cranberry Sauce  
4 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)  
Juice and rind of 1 valencia orange  
1 cup honey (or less)  

In a saucepan, combine cranberries and honey. Add organic juice and rind to cranberries. Bring to a boil and stir for about 10-15 minutes. Cranberries will pop and thicken. Let cool.  

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A (beta carotene) and vitamin C. Both vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that work in the body to remove free radicals. They are also considered an anti-inflammatory food. These are so easy to incorporate into your holiday meals! Enjoy them roasted or mashed as a side dish, or try our Kale & Sweet Potato Hash for a breakfast or brunch meal, made with two amazing superfoods together. We also have a recipe for Sweet Potato Muffins with chocolate chips and organic Sweet Potato Puree that are sure to be a hit, or you could try making your own Baked Sweet Potato Chips for your next holiday party. Don’t have time to be in the kitchen? No problem! Check out Terra’s line of all natural root vegetable chips, including Sweets & Beets, Sweet Potato, or Original, made with the perfect hint of sea salt.  

Dark Chocolate: Did we just tell you to eat dark chocolate?! Dark chocolate (70% or more is best) contains antioxidants called catechins and phenols. These antioxidants help prevent heart disease and cancer. The important thing to remember is not to overindulge. Remember to choose organic, fair trade, dark chocolate! We have a range of chocolate treats that will make great gifts and stocking stuffers this year, like Theo Holiday Chocolate Bars or Next Organics Chocolate Covered Nuts and Fruits. Camino makes a delicious rich cocoa powder that makes amazing hot chocolate, and you can pick up some raw cacao powder to give your smoothie and recipes a hit of chocolate taste and energy. And when you’re baking this year, be sure to check out our Vegan Chocolate Espresso Truffles, Orange Chocolate Mousse, or Triple Chocolate Cookies—the perfect homemade gift for the chocoholic on your list (even if that chocoholic is you!).  

Rosemary Tea: The holiday season can be physically and emotionally draining. Take a minute from all the craziness and enjoy a nice hot cup of rosemary tea. As well as being a great pick-me-up, rosemary tea stimulates the liver and digestion, promotes blood circulation, tones up the blood vessels, invigorates and increases your awareness. You can also use rosemary tea as a mouthwash for bad breath! Celebration Herbals sells a delicious Rosemary Tea that you and your family are sure to love. Check it out at any Goodness Me! location today. Or, try a Peppermint tea to help soothe an upset tummy, or a chamomile tea to help you relax. Herbal teas are a great way to make sure you take a few moments out to enjoy some peace and quiet – which is much needed over this busy season.  

Try incorporating these 5 superfoods into your holiday routine this year and discover the power that food brings!