If you’re like most adults, your morning starts with an obnoxious blaring – an unwelcome reminder that despite a restless night’s sleep, unavoidable responsibilities await.

But whether you’re working a 9-to-5 office job or juggling a house full of kids, there’s a good chance that your tendency to wake up on the wrong side of the bed has nothing to do with being sleep deprived, and everything to do with what you’re putting in your mouth.

According to government research, typical American diets are nutritionally poor in just about every regard, exceeding intake levels for calories from solid fats and added sugars, refined grains, sodium, and saturated fat. And it’s no surprise really. The increasing popularity and preference for processed foods are practically synonymous with “American cuisine”, with fast food a daily or weekly staple for millions everywhere.

But eating healthy and having a surplus of energy are two sides of the same coin, and few things can boost your mood and energy levels like raw superfoods, which are richer in vitamins, minerals, nutrients, electrolytes and phytonutrients than just about any other food in existence.

If you’re looking to skip that next cup of coffee and start your morning routine off with a powerful, healthy bang, check out the following six raw superfoods that can transform your alarm clock’s buzz into something to be excited about.

1. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is the Big Kahuna of superfoods, sometimes called “liquid sunshine” or “the nectar of the gods.” Comprised of most of the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health, wheatgrass is rich in protein and is an excellent source of calcium, iron, chlorophyll, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and essential fatty acids. And as a natural raw detox, it even aids in eliminating body and breath odors too (coffee breath, anyone?). GotSprouts carries fresh wheatgrass and seeds for sprouts.


2. Raw organic cacao

Are you a diehard chocolate lover? It’s time to rejoice. That’s right, what you may have considered a heavenly, sinful treat is actually a superfood! Raw, pure, real cacao, which can be purchased in powder form or whole beans, is rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, chromium, zinc, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, and more. It’s also an excellent source of tryptophan, a powerful mood-enhancer that’s responsible for kick-starting the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that elicits feelings of happiness and well-being. Enjoy your cookies, brownies, and tasty snacks without the guilt!


3. Chia Seeds

Easy to add to any shake, juice or cereal, chia seeds are rich in fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus. They’re also a great source of plant-based protein and contain a whopping 5 grams of fiber in just one tablespoon. And since they absorb liquid and expand inside your stomach, they’ll also help you feel full and satisfied throughout your entire morning.


4. Goji berries

Goji berries, found in Asia and America, are one of the most nutritious superfoods in the world, regaled for their extremely rich anti-oxidant properties, which can protect you from the aging process and free radicals. They’re also an excellent source of Vitamin C, soluble fiber, protein, and have more amino acids than bee pollen and more beta carotene than carrots! As a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial food, goji berries have been used to treat nearly everything under the sun, from liver disease and cervical cancer to blood pressure and cholesterol.

 

5. Hemp seeds

Raw hemp seeds are renowned for their cancer-fighting properties and are one of the rare complete sources of protein. Rich in Omega-3, 6, and 9, which is important for brain functions, hemp is one of the purest plants on earth and is also one of the easiest to absorb. It’s also an excellent source of amino acids, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc, and many other minerals.

 

6. Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen contains more than 96 nutrients and is approximately 40% protein. It contains nearly all of the nutrients required by humans to thrive and is used to aid in digestion, as an energy enhancer, and as an immune system booster. It’s also popularly used to treat allergies, respiratory problems, prostate hyperplasia, infertility, and is an excellent mood-regulator for helping to reduce everyday stress.


GotSprouts supports a healthy lifestyle and part of our mission is to help everyone transition to a green lifestyle. While we specialize in wheatgrass and sprouts, there are a lot of great places online like FoodHealing.org, where you can get herbs, supplements, and more superfoods for a super life!