Favorite Fit Foods Friday: Flaxseed

photo credit: http://www.vanillajoy.com/more-about-flax-seed.html

One of my favorite fit foods is called Flaxseed. Have you heard of it? The first time I heard of it was back in 2004 when I was taking a nutrition class in college. My instructor had the most amazing muscles I had ever seen on a woman who wasn't taking steroids. I admit, I would sit in class and watch the movement of her biceps. I know. That sounds weird. But this certain individual (whose name escapes me) inspired me to eat fit and KNOW what is in the food I am eating! She also led me to believe that it is OKAY for women to have killer muscles (I'm talking long and lean---you could actually see them working---not big and bulky---NOT like the body builders), but that is another subject for another post.

ANYWAY, back to Flax. Flax is fabulous. Seriously. "Why?" Well...I thought you would never ask! Here are some FLAX FACTS that you may find interesting:

• Flax seed is full of good fat. That's right...GOOD FAT! Pictured below is a breakdown...Notice that more than 1/2 of the fat in Flaxseed oil is Polyunsaturated fatty acids AKA Omega-3's.

(source: www.flaxhealth.com)

• Flaxseed can help you be....ahem...regular. This, I have to admit is my favorite thing about it because it REALLY works! The "oily" nature of the Flaxseed (all those good fats) and the fact that it has 4g of fiber per 2 Tbsp of Flaxseed (Meal) is how that all works!
• Flaxseed is high in protein as well. It offers a whopping 3g of protein per 2 Tbsp. This may not seem like much, but when you are adding it to other foods, its a great benefit.
• You can add Flaxseed to just about anything, in the form of meal. Some ideas are adding a tablespoon or two to yogurt, shakes, granola/cereal/oatmeal. It has almost no taste, so the it mixes well! You can also use Flaxseed meal in baking. To substitute an egg for Flaxseed meal, just mix 1 Tbsp of the Flaxseed meal with 3 Tbsp of water and let it sit for two minutes. Then, simply add it to the recipe like you would an egg.
• You can get Flaxseed meal at any grocery store. You can usually find it near the health food or the organic food. The brand I can always find is "Bob's Red Mill."
• For those of you who have sensitivity with gluten, you will be glad to know that Flaxseed is gluten-free!
• You can get Flax in many forms, including supplement pills.

So, after reading all these great things about Flax, I am sure you are ready to swallow a spoonful, right? :) I wouldn't blame you! (But, it probably would be best IN something!)