By Stephanie Goldfinger 

Many of us automatically reach for a cup of coffee for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day (guilty as charged). While coffee can be pretty amazing, we develop a tolerance over time, needing more and more to get the same boost. I’ve been on the hunt for alternative forms of pep to my afternoon espresso shot, and have become captivated with something pretty incredible—Superfoods. These supercharged items are so packed with nutrients they can actually provide a more natural and beneficial way to increase your energy, while improving your overall health. Superfoods also are reported to assist with such things as weight loss, illness, depression and aging. Some of my favorites from the long list of energy-producing superfoods are chia seeds, goji berries, and cacao—all of which pack a huge punch for their tiny size.

Chia Seeds

Derived from the Mayan language, the word chia means “strength.” Aztec warriors relied on chia seeds to boost energy and increase stamina. Today this tiny seed is a favorite of athletes, who tout it as an endurance-enhancing superfood. Because chia seeds take on 10 times their weight in water, they keep you feeling full (great for weight loss) and naturally hydrated for longer. They help aid in the effective absorption of nutrients and balance electrolyte and glycemic levels. A complete protein, these seeds provide all the essential amino acids and are a source of fiber, protein, iron, calcium, antioxidants, and Omega 3 essential fatty acid.

Goji Berries

The goji berry, also called the wolfberry, is a bright red berry that is native to China, and is usually eaten in a dried, slightly chewy form. Gojis have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years for various ailments, one of which is low energy.  Low on the glycemic index, they can help you to avoid those sugar spikes that can lead to energy crashes. Goji berries also contain a ton of B1 (thiamin), the vitamin that is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy, and 18 essential amino acids and B vitamins, key components for energy and stress release. Jam packed with antioxidants and vitamin A, gojis help combat premature aging, protect your eyesight, and promote circulation and a strong immune system.

Cacao

Cacao has been a dietary staple in South American culture for thousands of years, and they were so valued that the beans were even used as currency in Aztec society. The full name of the tree, Theobroma Cacao, translates from Greek to mean “Food of the Gods”. Cacao powder is often confused with the more commonly used cocoa powder, but unlike cocoa powder, cacao is raw, unadulterated and completely separated from all cocoa butter. Cacao powder is an excellent source of immune-boosting antioxidants, contains high levels of essential minerals including magnesium and iron, and is rich in healthy dietary fiber. Best of all, cacao products contain the alkaloid chemicals theobromine, phenylethylamine and anandamine, all of which help boost serotonin, the chemical that makes you feel “up,” happy and energized.

Superfood Granola Bowl

Cook time: 30 Minutes | Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Granola

• 1 cup of shredded dried coconut
• 4 cups toasted oats
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• 1 Tsp. kosher salt
• ½ cup honey
• 4 Tbsp. butter or coconut oil

Yogurt*

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. cacao powder
• 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp. agave

Topping

• 4 Tbsp. goji berries
• 4 Tbsp. cacao nibs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Combine the oats, coconut, almonds, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and honey on low heat.
4.  Mix the dry and wet ingredients with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dry ingredients are coated.
5. Spread the mixture on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. While the granola is baking, make your yogurt by whisking together yogurt, chia seeds**, cacao powder, and agave (whisk well, the cacao tends to clump).
8. Remove granola from oven and cool.
9. Place 1 cup of granola in a bowl, top with ¼ cup of yogurt, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp. of goji berries and 1 tbsp. of cacao nibs and serve!
10. Store leftover granola in an airtight container.

*Vegans, skip the yogurt and combine your chia seeds with your favorite nut milk or nut yogurt. Honey can be substituted for agave.

**By combining the chia seeds with the liquid of the yogurt or milk, we create the chia gel that has all those fabulous benefits for your body.

Stephanie Goldfinger is a vegetarian and vegan chef and the owner of Cooking for Luv www.cookingforluv.com in Los Angeles.