August 2, 2011
(last updated February 22, 2024) 
Have you heard of Julie Morris? If you haven’t yet, you should make a point of getting to know her. She’s one of the most talented, innovative, and charming personalities in the business, and by “business,” I mean the world of men and women who love to talk about—and to prepare—whole, plant-based, semi-raw food. Julie’s recipes epitomize everything I love about food: they’re healthy, flavorful, and simple. The flavors are vibrant, but light and bright. And they combine an intense interest in health science with an epicurean’s love of the sensual pleasures of eating.
I got to know Julie about a year ago, all via email, and we quickly established that, if we weren’t separated by the US mainland (she’s LA-based) we’d probably be spending a lot of our time together. As it is, she’s one of my funniest and most effusive penpals. When I learned that Julie was at work on a book about superfoods, I was both excited and conflicted. On the one hand, I’d read anything this woman wrote. On the other, I spend a lot of time debunking the idea of an elite and magical class of food labeled as “super.” (See this post for a summary of my thoughts on the idea of a “superfood.”)
Additionally, it’s hard to spend any time in raw circles without growing weary of the obsession with exotic South American berries and mysterious powdered blends of…stuff. Because the term “superfood” is unregulated, it’s hard to know which claims are bogus and which aren’t, how subjective the criteria of food manufacturers are, and whether these foods are really “super” at all. To me, it’s always seemed as though most superfoods are simply food that are on the healthier side, dressed up and priced as if they’re poised to perform miracles.
Julie Morris has singlehandedly changed my mind. Her new book, Superfood Cuisine, is probably the single best resource out there for anyone who’s curious about superfoods, but also allergic, as I am, to unscrupulous scientific claims. She’s researched the benefits of superfoods meticulously, and she writes about them with the enthusiasm of a nutrition nerd (which I’m guessing all of us here at CR are) and the rationality of an educated consumer. Her approach to superfoods, in the end, isn’t the typical raw foodist extremist’s position that, if we reduce our food intake to these foods and these foods only, we’ll live to be 219, but rather that adding superfoods in small quantities to our everyday cooking can only enhance the health benefits of what we make. That’s Superfood Cuisine in a nutshell: use superfoods not as a replacement for regular food, but rather as supplementary parts of an already sumptuous and flavorful diet.
To help you along, Julie has teamed up with Navitas Naturals—my own personal favorite source of cacao nibs, chia seeds, hemp seeds, lucuma, and cacao powder—to make an entire book’s worth of delicious soups, spreads, grain bowls, salads, desserts, and mouth-watering photos to match. And I’m giving a copy away to one of my readers.
Along with a bag of my favorite Navitas trail mix: goji berries, cacao, and raw cashews:
I’ll go ahead and call this an essential giveaway for anyone who’s curious about the health properties of such things as maca, mesquite, or mulberries, all of which I tried for the first time (and loved!) thanks to Julie:
Am I a little biased here? Sure. I helped to edit the book. But I wouldn’t have helped out with it had not read it and loved it. I don’t change my mind easily about things, and it says a lot about the power of Julie’s voice (and food!) that I have totally reconsidered how I feel about superfood.
In her acknowledgments, Julie says: “To Gena Hamshaw, for all the articulate feedback and premium supply of sass.”
Sass? Moi? Anytime, Julie. Anytime.
To win 1 free copy of Superfood Cuisine by Julie Morris, you can:
1) Comment on this post, telling me how you feel about the idea of “superfoods,” and why!
2) Tweet the following: @choosingraw is giving away a free snack & superfood cookbook by @greenjules! Enter to win: https://bit.ly/qbPyvT
3) Like Superfood Cuisine on Facebook.
4) Like Navitas Naturals on Facebook
5) Follow me on Twitter
Please leave a comment for each entry (so if you tweet, comment back to say you did; each of these four entries counts separately).
I’ll announce the winner on Friday, August 12th!
In light of this super giveaway, I’ll be posting my first ever self-entitled “superfood recipe” tomorrow!
xo
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I liked Superfood Cuisine on facebook!
I liked Superfood Cuisine on facebook.
Superfoods to me are like foods that have a little bit of ‘special something’ in them. I don’t think they are required for a healthy and happy existence but can possibly be augmentative of a already healthy lifestyle. The biggest problem for me is the cost effectiveness of these superfoods. I am curious as to how she will discuss and factor this in.
I’m like you with regards to “superfoods.” Sure they are healthy, but so are a lot of things. Where do we draw the line? And why are they so expensive? I really think it is just a marketing thing. There are so many fruits and vegetables that are amazingly good for you, but because they are not new to the American market they cannot command a high price point. That being said, I am a huge fan of hemp seeds and coconut oil. I discovered those when researching foods that my dairy, soy, and egg allergic son could eat.
I’m intrigued, reading her research results would be fascinating. Also curious just how many of her ‘superfoods’ cost ‘superbucks’. Sometimes little changes really can add up…
i too am a bit wary of the term “superfood,” because this like so many other labels seem to be used only to ignite the fad interest. granted, they’re making a killing with it. but it’s also true that there can indeed be health benefits. so i enjoy using them! but i think educating people on their practical uses (rather than radical devotee uses) will be most helpful for anyone’s good health, because it breeds good and sustainable habits. so cheers to julie! i’m very interested in reading her book 🙂
tweet tweet tweeted =)
I tweeted too! Follow me @antioxifruits
I liked Navitas Naturals on Facebook – however it actually links to Navitas Nick and not Navitas Naturals. Just FYI
I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook.
I love the concept of not using superfoods as replacement foods – I think it is neat because of modern technology that we can have things like goji berries available to us. So I would like to take more advantage of it!
Love superfoods – have become a true believer in their ability to give me the energy I need everyday 🙂
I love eating superfoods, but mostly because they happen to be foods I love anyway. In some ways, the idea is great because it gets people who ordinarily wouldn’t eat certain foods to eat them and reap the health benefits. On the other hand it’s a lot of hype that causes companies to be able to charge more for their products. Either way, most superfoods are yummy!
I’m a little skeptical on the superfruit claims; I think there are foods that we eat every day that are super and super for us, like spinach and blueberries! But there’s definitely something to anti-oxidant rich foods.
Oh, and on superfoods: I think they are generally over hyped in our attempt at finding a magic pill. That being said, some do hold great health properties and taste amazing. I try to work them in a little here and there, but not at the cost of other fruits and veggies and not to cancel out a bucket of french fries.
I like Superfood Cuisine on Facebook!
I liked Navitas, though the link seems to take you to a person from the company
Wow…thanks for introducing us to Julie and thanks for offering this giveaway, Gena! And, huge congrats on your editing credit..I’m sure you did indeed add plenty of sass!
My sentiments are similar to yours re. the concept of superfoods. I tend to be immune to the label these days as it’s so overused – a walk down the aisles of Whole Foods will prove my point. Yet, I do use some speciality products regularly to supplement my already whole foods based diet, such as hemp seeds and chia seeds that are touted as superfoods – but my purchase of them has more to do with the fact that their well established health properties keep me feeling my best than the marketing hype behind them.
Thanks again, Gena!
I think of superfoods like condiments. If I’m eating something that would taste better with them, then pile ’em on. I don’t go out of my way to eat them, though.
First comment, but I’ve read all your posts in google reader 🙂
As a person battling with and a history of disordered eating, I consistently try to take a scientific/nutritional stance towards what goes in my body. I try to get good fats, good protein and complex carbs with as many minerals and vitamins as possible…superfoods are my godsend! Without them, this process would all be much more difficult.
ngallo58 at gmail dot com
Not only do I love the beneficial properties of superfoods, they also tend to be some of the tastiest foods on the planet. Cocoa and berries and spices? Yes, please!
I just recently discovered — and really like — chia seeds. They’re a superfood, right? I’m not really even sure these days what foods have this label.
Liked Navitas Naturals on FB!
Tweeted about the contest!
Definitely a fan of super foods (as long as they’re not super expensive)! Why not eat foods that pack a superior nutritional punch, especially since most of them taste so good!
I love superfoods. I try to incorporate them all the time.
This looks like an original twist on a ‘healthy foods’ cook book. I don’t have much experience with the more exotic ‘super foods’ but I’d love the opportunity to try them out!
i’m pretty sold on superfoods like maca – and i love the navitas naturals brand!
I also liked Navitas Naturals on Facebook. 🙂
I love super foods! I just finished a smoothie that had hemp seed milk, goji berries, coconut cream, acai juice, raspberries, maca root powder, cacao nibs, carob powder, mesquite powder, yacon powder, camu camu bery powder, and bee pollen. I’m ready to face the day!
Superfoods, in my opinion, aren’t only those products like maca or spirulina, which have been termed super, but also the more “mundane” ones like blueberry etc.
I agree with you. I have a scientist’s skeptic eye and I like to see facts based on research. But cruising around the worlds healthiest foods website (a website I like very much), its clear that many foods are “super” and have powerful properties. This book sounds like a good way to educate and straighten out all the hoop-lah going around.
superfoods: potentially really good for you, most certainly very pricey 🙂
I liked Superfood Cuisine on facebook.
I also liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook.
I also liked Nativas Naturals on Facebook.
I agree, superfoods are a great addition to anyone’s diet, but they should not be seen as a panacea. I incorporate many into my diet because I like the taste of them and the benefits they provide. I just wish they weren’t all so expensive! 🙂
I love superfoods and I believe strongly in the power of them!
I like testing out a newly claimed superfood and seeing if I get any short-term benefit. I’ve noticed the little bit of energy burst from maca when I put it in smoothies and I love the taste. And goji berries just taste awesome and chewy! You said it right – a nutrition nerd for sure.
I strongly believe in the healing power of foods – and I think that’s pretty super.
I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook.
I liked Navitas Naturals on Facebook.
I feel strongly that one must consume a wide variety of produce and grains and adding in some ‘super’ foods only enhances the diet. I have many packages of Navitas products that I like to add to smoothies and just snack on, right from the bag. This cookbook sounds interesting… Looking forward to it’s release.
I love most of the super foods I’ve tried. But I just love food period.
I love the common superfoods that I have easy access to, but I can’t really afford the exotic ones. I’ll just stick with my kale, blueberries, and spinach for now!
I love superfoods and try to eat them as much as possible. This cookbook sounds amazing.
I tweeted…hopefully this comment will be long enough. It won’t allow one liners.
I too this a supplemental
Approach is best for superfoods. I have to be choosy because they are all do dang expensive!! I’ll keep a lookout for this book.
Btw there was some thyroid link at the bottom of this post. Can you elaborate more on the program? I’ve seen a lot but not sure what to think of them. Would love to get off meds for it someday.
Great! I recently bought maca powder and now really want to read this book!
I believe every body is physically and metabolically different and every person is intelligent and capable so it’s up to you to determine what works best for your body and what research supports that…you write your own list of superfoods. Mine includes blueberries (always #1!), apples, pears, oranges, flax seeds, chickpeas, nut butters and spices like cinnamon and turmeric…oh, and garlic! Cheers!
I have also tweeted!
Great giveaway! I really love ‘superfoods’ and see them as wholefoods with just very good nutritional profiles. I do like incorporating them into my diet as I feel they give me an added boost!
I liked Navitas Naturals on fb
I liked Superfood Cuisine on fb
(I tweeted! @ellencormier)
Like you, I’m skeptical of many superfood claims, but I’m eager to hear Julie’s perspective! That said, I have a chocolate allergy but am able to tolerate cacao is small amounts — which is pretty “super” if you ask me!
i love the idea of superfoods! i love knowing how our body takes in nutrients, especially when there are foods loaded with them! teach me, teach me, i would like to learn more!
I’m not sure about superfoods yet, but I definitely do feel that some foods are more super than others–blueberries for instance–healthy, delicious, and they make me happy!
I am intrigued by superfoods, but I don’t think that we should ignore the less exotic and affordable ‘superfoods’ most of us are surrounded by on a daily basis (broccoli, kale, cherries, etc). This is an awesome giveaway. Thank you!
What a wonderful giveaway. I am all about the veggie/fruit/grain/bean superfoods but some others are also worth seeking out on a rare occasion. Love maca! 🙂
i’ve always been interested in trying some of those “superfoods,” but sometimes i think of them as the “cherry on top.” They’re not exactly necessary in our diets, but if we’re eating enough wholesome foods, they’re a bonus 😉
I “liked” Navitas Naturals on FB
I “liked” Superfood Cuisine with Julie Morris on FB
I tweeted about the giveaway!
I do believe that there are a number of foods that are superior in nutrition and benefits. I do think that the term is being thrown around a lot lately and can cause a lot of confusion.
And I like Navitas Naturals on Facebook.
I like Superfood Cuisine on Facebook.
Hmmm. your comment system is finicky. Trying again– I tweeted!
I’m on the fence on “super” foods, but am willing to be convinced by this book 😉
ANd I also liked Navitas Naturals!
I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook!
And I tweeted about the giveaway!
I, like you, am pretty skeptical of “superfood” claims. his seems like the perfect chance to change my mind, and I’m always looking for new ingredients and recipes!
After reading healthy and raw blogs, I’m curious to try some superfood like chia seeds or cacao nibs. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find them in France. I find Navitas Naturals on Amazon.com but products can’t be delivered in France!
By the way, thanks for share informations and tips about raw food. It’s very interesting.
I’m completely with you, Gena! I think superfoods make a great addition to an already healthy diet and a small dose can go a long way, however, we shouldn’t start obsessing or expect them to perform miracles.
Hi Gena! thanks for holding this awesome giveaway!
I love trying superfoods more so for the novelty and the experience of trying new food items that I generally wouldn’t try otherwise. There have been a few like chia seeds and maca that have become a staple of my pantry, but that’s because I love the flavor and texture of these foods not so much for the purported life changing health benefits. They’re really like any other food that nourishes me, but wouldn’t ever take the place of my beloved greens and fruits. Ultimately, I think it’s important to keep in mind that while many foods are rich in vitamins, how our body actually metabolizes and absorbs said nutrients is something that we still have to learn more about.
I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook
I liked Navitas Naturals on Facebook
I like the idea that there are “superfoods” but I often don’t really believe the claims. These foods are usually overpriced and probably not worth the effort if you eat a healthy and balanced vegan diet like I do. But I will be happy to change my mind 😉
I have pretty much the same opinion on superfoods – they aren’t meant to replace everything else in your diet, but they can definitely add to it. I think people shouldn’t feel like they need to consume these foods to be healthy – they can be expensive, and many travel quite a distance to get to consumers. A lot of local foods are superfoods in their own right, and more cost efficient. If you can afford them and enjoy them, add them in your diet. If you can’t, don’t feel like you can’t achieve your health goals without them.
And since Aug 12 is my birthday, I’m really hoping I win! 😀
Ack–I need to go to bed before getting on the road, but I’d _adore_ to read this book. Sounds right up my alley: I love superfoods used just as you describe, as an adjunct, and absolutely not to deny that ‘regular’ foods have their own star qualities.
I’ll tweet tomorrow if I get a moment.
love
Ela
I already “like” Navitas Naturals on FB. I also followed your link – which led to Navitas Zach, so I sent him a friend request too!
I must have missed your post on super foods, but once again you amaze me with your ability to see outside of the box with these old claims and hypes. I’d love to win this book if it is open to internationals. I’ve liked both pages and tweeted the link! Thanks! 😀
I “like”d Superfood Cuisine with Julie Morris on Facebook
@verdantsage tweeted about this contest
I like the idea of incorporating superfoods, but I think there tends to be too much emphasis on them which leads to RAW eating seeming too inaccessible, strange, and expensive for the average Joe. I also feel conflicted about the sustainability, sourcing, processing and packaging of superfoods. BUT if research shows that my body can get benefits from superfoods that I cannot get elsewhere, it mitigates my reservations! This book sounds just like what I need to check out.
I’m all for foods that provide a wide range of health benefits and antioxidants and nutrients that support optimal health, but I’m not really for the stereotype and hype that follows them. Too many people hop on the Goji Berry train because they think it makes them “super” too and when it boils down to it… they’re just berries.
Either way, I’m still kind of interested in trying everything that shows up on this blog because different foods interest me and broadening my palate never hurt. 🙂
Hmmm. Half of me always falls for hype – esp. if it promises to help someone I love. The other half says people live lives all over the world throughout time without this new superfood and that our bodies and minds are incredibly resilient. (I used to work with refugees.) That latter half doesn’t believe in the magic bullet. The truth, of course, is inbetween. It helps to realize that superfoods have existed in every culture/place throughout time (not used as a staple) – it’s just that in America they exist all at the same time in one place! And they’re not new either, just newly discovered by those for whom the superfoods weren’t traditional to begin with. So, in summary, my take on them is to enjoy as a non-staple and experiment with them as we do any ethnic cuisine. Thanks for listening. This is my first comment.
Hi Gena! I love your blog! I liked Navitas Naturals and Superfoods Cuisine on Facebook!! I am intrigued by superfoods and definitely want to learn more.
also became followers of both on twitter! 🙂
Also liked Superfood Cuisine on FB & added to my fan page as well! 🙂
I liked Nativas Naturals on FB!
I tweeted the info!!! Love super foods & love your site!
I too, am skeptical about the term “superfood”, mainly because I don’t think there is magical one thing that will make you healthy; it’s a combination of a lot of factors. Also, specialty items are pretty expensive, and as someone on a student budget, I tend to save my dollars for amazing fresh produce. But I do buy that superfoods can be part of an otherwise healthy diet. So I’d love to try this book!
And I tweeted! Whew! 🙂
I also liked Navitas Naturals on FB!
I like Superfood Cuisine on FB!
Ahh I’ve been wanting to try so many of navitas naturals superfoods… I’m in love with raw cacao. I put it in everything. hehe 🙂
I think that super foods might be great, but I don´t use them that often. To me real “superfoods” are those normal things you can eat daily, find everywhere and that make you feel good and happy – oatmeal, apples and other fruit, veggies..
I love superfoods! I eat them errrday 🙂