I’m so excited to have Liz Shaw from Shaw’s Simple Swaps back and sharing  her top tips for maximizing the superfood power of your holiday meals! Enjoy!

Hi there! It’s Liz Shaw dropping in again to share with you some VERY exciting news!

What’s that?

Well, of course, it’s the latest and greatest top superfoods to include in your holiday menus!

Truth be told, two of the three are probably things you’re already eating, especially if you’re following Teresa’s Clean & Colorful Plan. But, the other superfood; well, it may just blow your mind!

First off, pulses!

Yep, I’m talking about those beans, peas and lentils that you hear so much about. Pulses are not only filled with amazing nutrients, like fiber, protein and vitamins, but they also are an excellent way to help reduce your intake of animal based proteins. I’m by no means saying animal meat is a “bad” choice, but studies do show that a switch a few days a week of including more plant based meals will aid in improving your overall health. Now, isn’t that something we can all get on board with!?

Try these recipes for a look at the beautiful ways to include pulses in your diet!

• Garlic, Vegan Hummus
• Crisp Lentil salad
• Heirloom Bean Soup

Next up, sweet potatoes!

These babies are seriously my FAVORITE year round! Not only are the packed with vitamin A (aka, the vitamin that keeps those eyes sharp so you can lift those weights), but also it’s also loaded with natural sweetness. I love using sweet potatoes as the “sugar” in my baked goods!

Check out these great holiday swaps to add more of this nutrient rich vegetable into your life!

• Sweet Potato Pie Parfait
• Sweet Potato Chia Chocolate Cake
• Sweet Potato Pancakes

And, the grand finale… PICHUBERRIES!

Yep, I said it… pich-u-berries! This is a Peruvian superfood that I was just introduced to this year! In just one serving (1/3 cup) of the dried pichuberries, you get over 39% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin D and nearly 50% of the DV for vitamin A. And, the best part, each serving provides a whopping 33% (aka 9 grams) of dietary fiber!

Though I’ve just started experimenting with these, I know I’ll have an arsenal soon!

• Roasted Acorn Squash with Pom Glaze and Pichuberries
• STAY TUNED—Winter Salad coming soon!

I’d love to hear what your favorite ways are to include these superfoods in your meal plan! Feel free to connect with me on social media and let me know! I’m always up for a new simple swap!

Thanks again for letting me stop in!

Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RD, CLT

www.shawsimpleswaps.com

Elizabeth is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Lifestyle Eating and Performance Therapist and bona fide Health Nut in San Diego, CA. She owns a nutrition communications and wellness consulting company and is an Adjunct Professor of Nutrition for the San Diego Community College District.