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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liked Navitas on FB
liked Superfood on FB
tweeted giveaway
I love superfoods, I feel like Im giving my body what it needs,combined with daily healthy meals it keeps me happy and healthy
AND I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook too
I liked Navitas Naturals on Facebook
I have enjoyed the taste of quite a few superfoods, especially Goji berries and acai, but have also been let down after doing my own research and being reminded to take scientific claims with a grain of salt. I’d love recipes with them though because, like I said, I enjoy them as a yummy factor, and avoid the prices whenever I can.
i think superfoods are fun, and tasty, and possibly useful, but can’t make up for an otherwise lacking diet.
I am following you on twitter.
I tweeted about the giveaway.
My idea on superfoods? I like them and for the most part believe their claims. I try to incorporate superfoods into my diet daily.
Very cool book. I actually find the idea of superfoods interesting and try to incorporate them into what I eat on a regular basis. I think they are a great addition to already healthy whole foods. I’ll be reading this book for sure!
Follow you on twitter 😀
I think the idea of superfoods are great. Who doesn’t want to have foods that are “super”? 😀
Well, I did all five and I was already following you. But I find this discussion interesting because just yesterday I loaded up on Navitas 1) sweetened cacao nibs 2)yacon 3) wakame flakes 4) hemp seeds and I have a supply of 5) maca and 6) chia powder. And I am out of goji berries and trail mix. But I probably will buy thte book anyway as I am also a nutrition nerd.
I love this so much. Your insights on the ‘superfood’ issue are really great. Sustainability is a tricky issue, and I imagine that one of the solutions to this issue would be to make efforts to grow as much as we can locally. I got to see that this possible when I visited Anthony Anderson at his gorgeous former spot/farm in Phoenix, Ariz. Seeing how he manages to grow gogi berries, mesquite, and other nutrition-packed things in the United States was an eye-opener. Anthony was also growing other veggies, fruits and greens and, as you point out, these “normal” foods are just as super ;). This new cookbook looks absolutely beautiful, and I trust your editing helped make it even more incredible. Definitely going to spread the word about it. Thanks for your work, ladies!
I love this so much. Your insights on the ‘superfood’ issue are really great. Sustainability is a tricky issue, and I imagine that one of the solutions to this issue would be to make efforts to grow as much as we can locally. I got to see that this possible when I visited Anthony Anderson at his gorgeous former spot/farm in Phoenix, Ariz. Seeing how he manages to grow gogi berries, mesquite, and other nutrition-packed things in the United States was an eye-opener. Anthony was also growing sundry veggies, fruits and greens and, as you point out, these “normal” foods are just as super ;). This new cookbook looks absolutely beautiful, and I trust your editing helped make it even more incredible. Definitely going to spread the word about it. Thanks for your work, ladies!
i follow you on twitter
Superfoods= super awesome.
I love them!
i tweeted about this giveaway
im following you on twitter
i definitely use the word “superfood” lightly and take it with a grain of salt because although i think it does point to the nutritional benefits of certain foods and encourages people to eat foods that ARE good for them, i think some people think that superfoods are the end-all-be-alls that can cure all ills.. which is not true!
Tweeted, liked and liked! i agree with the idea that superfoods should not replace our normal foods, but should be used in addition to the foods we already eat in order to maximize our intake of vitamins, minerals, etc… Plus the Navitas Naturals raw cacao powder in a banana smoothie is divine!
Awesome giveaway! I honestly think superfoods are foods in their purest, most nutritional form. There’s aren’t too many “secrets” and certainly no miracles, just hard core basics that are health done right.
I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook. 🙂
Last but not least, I’m following you on Twitter. Thx for this giveaway! @robcrab
I just liked the NN page on Facebook.
I like Nativas Naturals on Facebook.
I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook
I think superfoods are great, and everyone should figure out which ones work for them. I don’t think people should assume a shotgun approach and just start taking every ‘it’ superfood. Trial and error works best for me.
I tweeted about this giveaway: @robcrab
I follow you on Twitter (@TanyaTheViolist)
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/TanyaTheViolist/status/98796411340075008
It’s all very confusing. I hear about new “superfoods” everyday! Perhaps this book would clear things up…..very cool idea. I’m all for having recipes right in front of me using these superfoods.
I’m right on board with you when it comes to superfoods. I don’t really believe in one magical food, but I do believe that incorporating these foods into an already healthful diet can provide a lot of health benefits!
How I feel about superfoods… I haven’t researched this topic as much because I feel like the vast amount of improvement or health “power” in my diet will/does come from regular old plant food. That said, is kale a superfood compared with lettuce? I think so. And many plants have powerful medicinal properties. So I’m not at all opposed to the idea that plants have many varied “superpower” effects on the human body, and that we might want to give them special labels and special attention in our diet, especially if we are lacking in the area the plant can assist with (for example, my naturopath has suggested brazil nuts for selenium to support my thyroid).
I am slightly skeptical about generalizations about superfoods, but I agree that, if combined with an otherwise healthy lifestyle, can probably aid strongly in optimum nutrition. I haven’t been very adventurous with them, so maybe this would be a good reason to get creative!
i love navitas naturals products and own several right now in my fridge 🙂 i take the word superfood at times with a grain of salt. while i do believe certain foods offer phenomenal properties that can enhance how well we feel, i do my own individual research to see if there is actual data supporting the claim. i love how eating healthfully makes me feel on the inside and out!
Tweeted about it!
I follow you on Twitter!
I think that superfoods are a great addition to a healthy diet…almost a supplement. The more the better, I say! 🙂
I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook.
I already like Navitas Naturals on Facebook.
I’m skeptical of the superfoods claims, but I’m slowly coming around. I like trying new foods (as long as they’re vegan!) and I’ve been slowly incorporating some of them. I really like chia seeds, and of course cacao. I bought some maca but haven’t tried it yet, I need this book for inspiration!
Hello Gena! Thank you so much for your diligence and commitment to the high raw/vegan world. I look forward to your posts every morning – it’s a work ritual for me!!
With that said, my response to superfoods is this: I think the term is used to draw attention to them. Marketing is a large part of consumerism. I am sure most people wouldn’t think twice about eating red little berries, even though they are packed with wonderful nutrients. BUT, if you attach the word “super” to them, they get a little more recognition for their health benefits.
Lastly, I have tweeted and liked all the things for the giveaway! Have a great day!!
i’m already following you on twitter so i just retweeted the contest.
I also posted this contest to my facebook wall 🙂
Superfoods, I like them very much and anything that helps/ educates people focus on eating healthy and yummy is awesome. the key is connecting delicious with healthy which comes from an amazing experience via information shared, be it recipe, friend, cooking class or a new restarutant.
I liked Navitas Naturals on FB.
I liked Superfood Cuisine on FB
I have not tried all of the “superfoods” yet, but I really like the ones I have tried, like cacao, maca, mesquite, chia, goji berries and hempseed. They add so much flavor to my recipes, and I feel the benefits, i.e., more energy!
I think superfoods can be yummy – like goji berries and chia seeds – but not necessarily any more “super” than more ‘regular’ food like kale or tomatoes… also they can be sooo pricy :/
I liked Navitas Naturals.
I liked Superfood Cuisine.
I totally agree with you on superfoods. Instead of obsessing over getting certain ones into every meal just realize how great they are and that adding them to your dish is going to make it all the better.
I’d love to hear more about them though and find recipes that use them specifically so winning this book would be amazing! May all have a SUPER day!
I liked superfoods cuisine on fb.
I liked NN on FB. 🙂
I am excited to read a book on superfoods from someone who has done her research! There is so much out there that it is difficult to distinguish the facts from the fantasy. Thanks Gena for making me aware of this resource.
I followed Choosing Raw on Twitter!! Thanks again for the chance to win!!
I ‘Liked’ Navitas Naturals on Facebook! Fingers crossed!!
I liked Superfood Cuisine on Facebook!! I would love to have this book!
I tweeted this contest!!! Thank you for the chance to win!!!
HI! Thank you for the amazing giveaway! I think the term superfoods is widely abused for advertising purposes. The best way to know what you are buying/eating/preparing is to do the research yourself, using reputable sources. You can’t always trust packaging ot advertising claims!
I’m still on the fence regarding superfoods. After hearing so much about maca I added some to my oatmeal and I wasn’t thrilled with the taste. I could probably better educate myself on ways to incorporate my unused bag of maca in other ways.
I agree with you on how “superfoods” are just healthy foods proclaimed to be a necessity for miracle health.
However, I do think that these so called “superfoods” do offer multiple benefits to health. While simple, “super-healthy” foods such as apples or almonds have numerous health benefits, I believe that particular foods pronounced as superfoods may offer more benefits than these common ones, and are thus deemed with the title “super.”
Even with that having been said, I do not think one absolutely needs a superfood or superfoods to be healthy. One can achieve optimum health through a healthy diet and frequent exercise, not simply by eating an acia berry (or other ‘magical’ food). This food will only become a part of that healthy diet that will aid the person in obtaining health.
I believe this because I rarely eat so called “superfoods” (I only eating wheat grass occassionally and that is simply because I find it delicious, unlike many others) and I am at an extremely healthy state, according to my doctor. How am I this healthy? By eating a vegan, semi-raw diet and exerising everyday–not by buying every latest “superfood” and eating it religiously.
…and I “liked” Navitas. 🙂 And that’s it from me!
…and I “liked” Superfood Cuisine on FB.
Hey Gena,
I’ve tweeted about the giveaway (@sumilove!).
I agree with youre feelings on superfoods; they are not a food replacement but are something to add for extra nutrition to your diet.
Mulberries?? I’ve been eating those for years, along the roadsides and in backyards of my childhood. I hadn’t thought of them as being a superfood, but then again I’m also someone who’s always had a healthy “allergy”(as you so aptly put it) to the idea of superfoods. I’d love to read this book!
I liked Navitas and Superfood Cuisine on Facebook!
I think that some superfoods really have some great nutrients in them that can make us healthy human beings. But, I think it requires research of any one that you use to determine if it really is “super” or not. So, I’m interested in reading this book if the research is discussed. Great giveaway!
I have mixed feelings about the concept of superfoods, but I know that it’s true that some foods are better for you than others, so why wouldn’t some foods be A LOT better for you? Anyway, I would be very interested in learning more!
I think people like the idea of superfood because it seems like an ‘easy’, fail-proof way to put some health into your diet without having to try too hard. The way they get marketed often seems to me to be a ‘get out of jail free card’ in terms of reversing the damage inflicted by less than superfoods.
…and Nativas Naturals on FB.
Liked Superfood Cuisine on FB.
I have found myself finding ways to use these foods mostly to replace ingredients or enhance recipes, not so much succumbing to the “hype”. Instead, I do things like eat Chia because I like it as a new-to-me food (for instance).
Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
Following you on Twitter! Not sure why I wasn’t already.
Also, I just “liked” Superfood Cuisine on Facebook!
I feel the same way about superfoods as you do Gena! I’m not very convinced that goji berries, for example, are that much greater than blueberries. That being said, I do love my chia seeds and think that superfoods can have a good place in your diet if you add them to simple things and not consist solely on them (How expensive would that be?!)
I’ve always been a little wary of the term ‘superfoods’ as well. I feel like any whole, raw, unprocessed bit of food has its own array of superfood qualities and eating a variety of good foods will supply you with tons of nutritional benefits. Maybe Julie’s book will make me a believer in the power of goji berries!
Also just checked out & followed your twitter – I didn’t know you had one. You are always so charming.
Most plants are super foods! But yes, I suppose some are more super than others.
PS–I follow you on twitter 🙂
I was definitely suckered in to the superfood craze awhile back. But after much research, I learned that many of the compounds that make those foods “super” are also found in many other types of foods. Now I just try to include real, whole foods into every meal or snack. I definitely feel the difference!
I’ve always been skeptical about “superfoods”, but I figure it can’t hurt to eat them, right?! I also like the taste of most of them, so it’s not too difficult to add them into my daily food!
My feelings about superfoods? They’re super foods. I incorporate them into my diet every single day. Maca and mesquite or lucuma in my morning smoothies, cacao in my treats, you name it. I would savor the opportunity to experiment with an actual superfood cookbook! Thank you for this giveaway, Gena!
I try to include superfoods in my diet every day. I think of them as being nutrient heavy and therefore necessary. I eat other things as well but I strive for a balance.
I also follow you on twitter but I have for awhile so this isnt’ new.
I tweeted the following @choosingraw is giving away a free snack & superfood cookbook by @greenjules! Enter to win: http://bit.ly/qbPyvT
I tweeted you – I was already following you on twitter 🙂
I’ve always been skeptical about the idea of “superfoods” but I think that has more to do with media hype than actual nutritional quality. I’d love to learn more about how to incorporate them into my diet – not that my Acai berry popsicles with antioxidants aren’t doing the trick already 😉
I’ve been eating way too many less-than-super-foods for far too long. Time for a change!
I don’t like the term ‘superfoods’ or the idea that goji berries are the panacea to all — but I do like the taste of most of them!
I liked Navitas Naturals on FB
I liked Superfood Cuisine on FB
I follow you on Twitter
I liked Superfood Cuisine and Navitas on FB!
I agree with you about superfoods–I’m sceptical about each magical potion that seems to come out. However, there are some that I love to add to my diet for extra nutrition. I don’t expect them to help me levitate or anything, though. 😀
I liked Navitas Naturals on Facebook!
I liked Navitas Naturals on facebook.