In my last post ‘Get Natural Sunlight: Burn Fat, Balance Hormones, and Recharge Energy
I went into some detail about the evidence that we, as humans can extract energy directly from sunlight.
It turns out, food is not our only source of energy. Sunlight is also a source of energy for us. In fact some researchers argue that we are evolved to extract a whole 2/3 of our energy from sunlight and only 1/3 from food!
This is the basis of theory that ‘obesity is a problem of not enough sunlight coupled with too much artificial light‘ Hence the reliance on more food that’s actually needed for normal energy requirements.
Sunlight, mitochondria and chlorophyll
Scientists have reported that our mitochondria (the energy centers of our cells) can capture sunlight and produce adenosine-59-triphosphate (ATP) when mixed with a light capturing metabolite of chlorophyll.
So, one of the ways to enhance our ability to gain more energy from the sun is to consume a diet rich in chlorophyll.
This puts another healthy spin on the importance of eating more foods rich in chlorophyll. Not simply viewed as a source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc, but carriers of essential mitochondrial cofactors to efficiently produce more ATP (energy).
Green vegetables, a rich source of chlorophyll.
While most plant foods contain at least small amounts of chlorophyll, green vegetables are an especially concentrated source of this nutrient
A full list of green vegetables (under Step 2: ‘choose your carbohydrate’ section), can be found in my book, The Fit n Healthy Plan: The healthy diet & lifestyle plan made easy!
For an easy recipe that’s chock full of chlorophyll rich green vegetables, try my Green Goddess Rejuvenating Soup.
Serve with a serving of protein and you’ve got a complete ‘energy rich, rejuvenating’ meal!
GREEN GODDESS REJUVENATING SOUP
Yield: 6 – 8 servings
GREEN GODDESS REJUVENATING SOUP
INGREDIENTS
2 tbsps coconut oil
3 medium leeks, washed with white parts thinly chopped (see photo)
1 cup celerac, peeled and grated (I use my cheese grater)
3 cups mixed green veggies: (broccoli florets pieces, zucchini grated, and kale leaves)
4 cloves of garlic, crushed (yup, lots of this!)
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 tsp green curry paste
1 cup of green peas
1/2 cup coconut milk, full fat
1 cup vegetable stock or chicken stock (ideally homemade chicken stock for added immune support)
Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
freshly squeezed lime
handful of cilantro and parsley, chopped
Grated cheese made from raw milk or feta
Note: You can use regular onions in replacement of leeks.
DIRECTIONS
Using a stockpot, heat 2 tbsps coconut oil over medium heat. Add leeks (or onions) and celerac. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally (you can add crushed garlic and salt now or later). Add in mixed green veggies and continue sauteing, stirring until tender (about 10 minutes). Add garlic, spices, curry paste, salt and pepper (if not done so already) Saute another 5 min, then add green peas, coconut milk, vegetable stock or chicken stock.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer uncovered for about 5 min.
Place half of the Green Goddess Rejuvenating Soup into a blender, puree and place back into the pot OR to save time, simply use a potato masher and mash part of the soup until creamy (this is what I do).
Place in bowls and top with freshly squeezed lime, grated cheese (if using), fresh herbs, salt and pepper to taste.
For a complete meal, add your favorite protein (chicken, pork sausage, or the like) to your green soup.
Simple. Easy. Nourishing.
Love how Fit n Healthy Feels!
For more, healthy recipes to keep YOU Fit n Healthy, check out my book The Fit ‘n Healthy Plan – The Healthy Diet & Lifestyle Plan Made Easy!
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