This post first appeared on Piping Rock. All content is theirs.
Grocery shopping can become a daunting task if you don't plan ahead. You know you want to eat more nutritious foods, stay in shape and contribute to a better you. But how? It can be overwhelming to create the perfect shopping list and make the right decisions when there are too many options.
Here's our advice: When you go to the grocery store, focus your shopping by staying on the outside aisles. By design, most grocery stores place natural foods and produce on the outside perimeter of the store. Stay away from packaged products as much as you can!
You've found your niche. You're cruising through the produce section looking for herbs, fruits, vegetables, spices, and greens. Now what? Aim to shop for a diverse range of fruits and vegetables of different colors, sizes, and textures.
Each food contains its own specific nutritional qualities and unique value. Different color pigments represent unique nutritional properties. We recommend focusing on foods that come from organic sources and safe agricultural practices. Pro-tip: Look for the "USDA Certified Organic" logo on your products to ensure they're organic.
"Going Organic" has become a quickly growing trend over the last few decades. But why is it so popular? Going organic involves upgrading your standard of food quality, supporting wholesome agricultural practices and protecting the ecosystem.
Organic foods are held to a whole new standard of excellence than regular products. The cultivation process, agricultural practices, and harvesting methods adhere to strict guidelines that make the products safer for consumption.
Don’t settle for less than excellent when it comes to nutrition. Look for USDA Certified Organic products to find the best source for your nutritious foods!
What is USDA Certified Organic?
The specific standards and practices are best summarized in the excerpt below from the USDA government website.
"USDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing, among many factors, soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible. Produce can be called organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In instances when a grower has to use a synthetic substance to achieve a specific purpose, the substance must first be approved according to criteria that examine its effects on human health."- (
USDA.GOV)
Top 15 Organic Superfoods:
1. Wheat Grass:
Wheat Grass has become a top-trending organic super green and is often found in juice bars in shot-form. Wheat-grass is featured in organic superfood powder blends for its nutritional excellence.
2. Barley Grass:
Barley Grass is one of the first cultivated greens used in Ancient Times for various wellness practices. It's often used in superfood blends and is a natural source for antioxidants.
3. Alfalfa:
Alfalfa is a perennial flowering plant cultivated all around the world.
Alfalfa Leaf Powder is nutritiously dense and makes for the best green superfood powder.
4. Spinach:
Organic Spinach is a popular vegetable that is a staple to family dinners around the world. This dark, leafy-vegetable is a natural source for fiber and other key nutrients.
5. Beet Root Powder:
Compliment your organic super greens with some red. The red pigments in beetroot are indicative of its natural antioxidant value. Add
Beet Root Powder to any organic superfood blend!
6. Pea:
7. Blackberry:
This bold and seeded fruit has a unique, tart-taste that compliments sweeter fruits. Organic blackberries are a natural source of essential vitamins and minerals.
8. Pomegranate:
Pomegranate is native to the Middle East and botanically referred to as Punica Granatum. This exotic fruit is becoming widely popular for its vibrant color and nutritional value.
9. Tomato:
Tomatoes have been universally utilized in cooking since ancient times. Ripe, organic tomatoes have a sweet and tart-taste that blends well in most dishes. Tomatoes are notable for their natural
Lycopene content.
10. Cranberry:
Cranberries have natural antioxidant value to add to their tart-flavor. Include them in your mixed blend of berries for balanced flavor and nutritional excellence.
11. Strawberry:
Strawberries are everybody's favorite fruit because of their irresistible taste. They deliver the perfect sweetness to any juice recipe, smoothie or superfood powder.
12. Cauliflower:
Cauliflower is a popular cruciferous vegetable that has edible flowering-buds much like broccoli. Cauliflower-based pizza has become a popular trend, offering a healthier alternative to using the dough.
13. Pumpkin:
14. Broccoli:
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that has served as a nutritional powerhouse for centuries. It's a natural source of fiber and has other abundant vitamins and minerals.
15. Kale:
Kale is a trending organic super green that is most commonly used in juicing. It's usually mixed with other complimentary greens and fruits for added flavor and nutrients.
Piping Rock's Daily Super Greens Product:
Finding all these organic ingredients separately could be difficult and burdensome on your wallet. These organic superfoods together could cost you a fortune and take hours to prepare!
If you lead a busy and active lifestyle, you might want a quicker and more efficient way to get your essential superfoods. Piping Rock offers the most convenient and affordable way to receive your organic super greens and other essentials.
One heaping scoop delivers a powerful blend of your Daily Super Greens, plus 20 raw superfoods for additional support.
Directions: For adults, add 1 heaping scoop (20 g) daily to 8 oz. of cold water, milk, or your favorite juice, and blend.
Take your greens on-the-go with this
Organic Green Superfood Powder. Receive all of the beneficial ingredients in an easy-to-take, vegan and gluten-free friendly blend!