Grass-fed Beef
I don't eat red meat often but when I do I choose top quality. The highest quality beef is 100% grass-fed, aka, grass-fed, grass-finished. This means that the cows foraged for their food in green pastures and ate grasses, their natural diet, their whole lives. If it only says "grass-fed" on the label (vs grass-fed, grass finished OR 100% grass fed), know that this simply means that they were grass-fed for a portion of their lives, but later ate grains and other food as well. 100% grass-fed cows ate as nature intended and roamed the land while doing so. Healthy, happy cows.
VITAL FARMS PASTURE-RAISED ORGANIC EGGS
When it comes to eggs, the highest quality is organic pasture-raised. Vital Farms hens roam in a minimum of 108 square feet of open pastures while foraging for their natural diet of grass and insects and bathing in the sun. They are Certified Humane which means they are raised compassionately while living, when transported and eventually slaughtered. Happy hens make healthy eggs that not only are more nutritious, but taste better too.
EDEN CANNED BEANS
When cooking beans, I soak dry beans overnight, then cook them with kombu (mineral-filled seaweed), bay leaf, garlic, and lots of salt. When in a crunch, I use Eden canned beans. Eden soaks their organic beans overnight, then cooks them with kombu. Both help to break down the anti-nutrients, leading to easier digestion and greater nutrient absorption. Soaking them in kombu adds more minerals and goodness to the beans as well.
Wild-caught Salmon
Loaded with omega-3s, salmon is a great source of protein. It’s low in mercury too. I try to eat it 2-3 times a week. Wild salmon is what it sounds like- swims in its natural environment and caught by fishermen. Farmed salmon is harvested in sea cages, where crowded conditions can cause contamination, leading to the use of antibiotics. Farmed fish are fed pellets made from corn, poultry, canola, soy, wheat and other food fish aren’t meant to eat, and as a result are less nutrient-dense than wild salmon.
TONNINO TUNA
Although I try to limit my tuna intake to once or twice a month because of its high mercury content, when I do eat it, I eat Tonnino’s Tuna Filets in Olive Oil. Tonnino is caught and hand packed in Costa Rica and is certified sustainable and non-GMO. Tonnino prides themselves on treating their employees and the ocean with love and care.
Vega Protein Powder
Vega One is my choice of protein powders for smoothies. It's organic, non-GMO, made from pea protein and plant-based ingredients, and full of anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, C, D, and B vitamins. I like the vanilla flavor best, but mocha sounds pretty delicious too!