Simple Ways to Use Maca Root In Your Diet #healthyeating #macaroot #eatbetterlivebetter #focusonwellness

It's a new year, so many people are focusing on incorporating new health goals starting this month! Have you tried maca root? If not, you should definitely consider incorporating this natural plant-based supplement to your eating plan. It provide a nutty, earthy flavor to smoothies and other recipes...and it claims to boost energy and endurance. Today, The Weekend Gourmet correspondent is sharing five great ways to incorporate maca root in your daily diet. This article may contain affiliate links. Please keep in mind that I'm NOT a medical professional, so make sure to get your personal doctor's approval before adding ANY new supplement to your diet.

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It's a new year...2021 is here, and it is a time for us all to make positive changes to our lives! Sadly, the COVID pandemic is still at large...but we can look forward to the promise of a brighter year. One key step anyone can make is to take proactive changes to get healthy and strong. Maca root is a plant that can be used for many different purposes, and it boasts numerous positive benefits for the body. Maca is incredibly nutritious and packed with vital nutrients our bodies needs to thrive. Many around the world use Maca in whole or powdered form in their diet. Maca has a nutty, earthy taste. Many people use it in a range of recipes to add an extra punch of nutrition to their meals. Today, we're sharing some of the meals you can make using Maca root. 

(1) Add Maca to Your Morning Smoothie 

When talking about maca and maca root benefits, one of the main ways people like to add maca to their diets is via a scoop of maca powder added to their morning smoothie. Here's a great smoothie recipe to get you started. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 banana
• 1 Tbs maca powder 

• 1 tsp cacao

• 1 handful pitted dates
• 1 handful fresh raspberries

• 1 Tbs chocolate protein powder 

• Ice

Blend until smooth for a sweet, healthy start to your

morning. 

(2) Make an Açai Bowl 

If you're looking for a new way to eat your fruit and vegetables during the day, an açai bowl is the perfect answer! Açai berries are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this bowl a perfect refreshing breakfast or lunchtime treat on a busy working day. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup frozen açai berries
• 1/2 cup frozen fruit (mango, pineapple, berries etc,)
• ½ banana

• 1 Tbs yogurt

• 1 Tbs coconut shavings

• 1 Tbs mixed nuts or seeds 

• 1 Tbs maca root powder

• Fresh fruit for garnish

1. In a blender, mix açai berries, frozen fruit, banana, yogurt, and maca root powder until smooth and thick. 
2. Pour the mixture into a bowl and top with the rest of the ingredients.

This is a brilliant healthy lunch for anyone that provides a burst of energy -- along with essential vitamins and minerals -- that will last for the rest of the day.

(3) Create Your Own Healthy Frappuccino 

There’s nothing better than a good cup of coffee in the morning. However, hen you're trying to be healthier, you may feel like you can’t enjoy your favorite drinks. However, this healthier version of a frappuccino is the ideal start to a productive day that won’t pile on the pounds.

Ingredients: 

• Handful of dates, pitted and soaked in hot water
• 1/4 cup espresso

• 1 cup Ice 

• 1 cup milk alternative (oat is a good choice)

• 1 Tbs maca root powder 

• 1 tsp cocoa powder

• 1 Tbs honey or agave

• 1 tsp cocoa powder

• Coconut whipping cream 

1. Blend the ice, espresso, milk, dates, cocoa powder, and maca root until thick and smooth. Taste for sweetness, and add honey or agave as needed. 

2. Once you're happy with the taste, add to your favorite glass and top with sweetened whipped cream.

(4) Add Maca to Infused Water

There are many brilliant ways to use roots for your health. Ginger is great for improving circulation, turmeric is used for joints, and maca root is used for performance and mood. To add a dose of maca to your day as soon as you wake up, take the following steps. Source whole maca root, which can be chopped into small pieces. Then add the maca a pitcher of water that also contains sliced lemon and strawberries...for a simple detox drink to start your day off right. 

(5) Make a Maca Mousse

A fun way to spice up your meals with a sweet treat is to make a healthier mousse you can enjoy after your meal. For this, you'll need the liquid from a can of chickpeas (aka aquafaba) maca root, and a few other simple ingredients. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup aquafaba
• 1 tsp lemon juice 
• 1 Tbs maca root powder 

• 5 ounces dark vegan chocolate, chopped or chips

• 1 Tbs cane sugar

1. Melt the chocolate safely by placing it in a bowl over a pan with simmering water. NOTE: Ensure the water does NOT touch the chocolate!! Once the chocolate is melted, set aside to cool. 

2. Drain the chickpeas to access the liquid -- aka aquafaba; add lemon juice to the aquafaba to stabilize it. 

3. Use an electric mixer to whip the aquafaba to stiff peaks. This will take a few minutes. but it's vital to the success of the recipe. 

4. Carefully add the sugar as you continue to whip, ensuring there is no movement in the whipped aquafaba. 

5. Pour in the melted chocolate and maca root powder to the whipped aquafaba, and stir to combine. Chill the mixture in the fridge for a few hours to thicken...garnish each serving with a fresh raspberry!