Seeds for Change

Seeds for Change Last week, I went on a shopping spree, but instead of shoes and purses, I came home with 4 kinds of seeds all available in our rural grocery store: sunflower, chia, pumpkin and sesame. I recently read an article from a Certified Nurse Practitioner that the one thing she would change in a person's diet would be to incorporate more seeds.  They are a wonderful compliment to almost any meal.  Sprinkle chia seeds into your shake for breakfast, snack on a handful of sunflower seeds, toss pumpkin seeds into your salad for crunch and dress your fish with toasted sesame.  There are so many ways to add this healthy addition into your existing diet, but you may be wondering why you should. Seeds are high in fiber, vitamin E and monounsaturated fats that can help keep our heart healthy and our body disease free. Healthy seeds are also great sources of protein, minerals, zinc and other life-enhancing nutrients.  Numerous studies have shown that different types of seeds and nuts can actually prevent weight gain, the development of heart disease and the accumulation of LDL cholesterol.  All that healthy and they still taste sweet, nutty and crunchy!  I'm sold, are you?  Well, give them a try in my new recipe! Seeds for Change Crumble Try this mixture a top grilled veggies, cold Asian noodle dishes, rice, fish or yogurt. Ingredients: -1/2 cup sunflower seeds, raw, unsalted -1/8 cup chia seeds -1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds, shelled (pepitas) -1/8 cup brown sesame seeds -2 TBSP local honey -1/4 TSP sea salt -1/4 ground cayenne pepper (optional) Directions: In a dry skillet, add the sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds to the pan over medium heat.  Swirl the pan frequently to avoid burned seeds.  Continue to heat until the sunflower seeds are slightly toasted and honey colored.  Add chia seeds, salt, cayenne pepper and drizzle with honey.  Mix well and cook until clump form. Turn out onto a non-stick surface and let cool.  Store in an airtight container for up to a week.  Serving size is 1 TBSP per person. I'd love to hear your feedback!   Email me at Kelly@BayAthleticClub.com.