Don’t Worry, Be Hemp-y!

I’ve always made health a big priority for my family and myself. Being active is one thing, but I wanted to make a bigger commitment to improving our nutrition this year. Don’t get me wrong, we are great eaters, but with our growing family I needed to step up my game. 

I started to do my homework and became so fascinated in learning about Hemp foods. I realized there were so many misconceptions about hemp foods, so I was happy I took the time to do my research. It was actually around the same time that I was approached by Manitoba Harvestto work together to help promote their new Hemp Yeah! Granola. But before I get into all of that, I wanted to make sure that for those of you who have always wanted to learn about Hemp, but don’t have the time, here’s a super quick overview.

Hemp Foods 101

Did you know that hemp is a super plant?  If you’re looking for a plant-based protein option, hemp foods are where it’s at! Plus, hemp foods offer 10 essential amino acids, as well as healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6. They alsocontain magnesium, fibre, iron, zinc, and phosphorous. Hemp foods are quickly becoming a staple in our home. I admit, I was one of those people who thought hemp was the same as marijuana, but gladly learned that it is not! It also does not cause any psychoactive effects and does not contain any CBD extracts!

Happy About Hemp

Since partnering with Manitoba Harvest, I was given the opportunity to try their different Hemp products. I have to say that breakfasts and snacks have never been the same. We have been enjoying their new Hemp Yeah! Granola for the past couple of weeks and even Harper is a fan! Besides breakfast, you can find this girl snacking on the Dark Chocolate Granola almost daily. 

I should mention that this is not your everyday granola that you find on store shelves. Hemp Yeah! Granola is packed with protein and has less than 10g of sugar per serving. I used to steer clear of granola because of its reputation of having a high sugar content. With Hemp Yeah! Granola, my fam is getting more protein, less sugar AND getting in their healthy fats. This makes me happy!

I would say that right now there are three mornings in the week that we enjoy Hemp Yeah! Granola for breakfast. Funny enough, my favourite is Blueberry, my husband’s top pick is Honey & Oats and Harper’s go-to is Dark Chocolate. Psst … Hemp Yeah! Granola is Certified Organic, Kosher, Vegan (except Honey & Oats), Non-GMO, and Soy Protein Free. 


 Healthy Hemp Breakfast 

Most mornings are mayhem over here. Trying to get Harper ready for school and out the door with baby Noa in one arm is no joke! On these mornings, we opt for Hemp Yeah! Granola with almond milk – quick and easy, but always healthy!  

 When the weekend rolls around, we have a little less stress in the morning and have been enjoying granola parfaits. If you have some extra time in the AM, I highly suggest you try this out. Here’s the recipe for one serving:

Ingredients

-      ¾ cup of Dark Chocolate Hemp Yeah! Granola 

-      ½ cup yogurt of your choice (I like plain Greek yogurt)

-      1 tbsp. of maple syrup

-      Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries (as needed)

-      1 tsp. of shredded coconut (optional)

Directions:

In a Mason jar or bowl, start assembling your parfait by placing yogurt at the bottom, add a layer of Hemp Yeah! Granola, then berries and repeat. To finish it off, drizzle with maple syrup and shredded coconut on the top. Dig in and enjoy. I know we sure do!

From Seed To Shelf

I don’t know about you, but I love having different easy and healthy breakfast options. I’m so pleased to see that Hemp foods have quickly become a family favourite. Manitoba Harvest has been the global pioneer in hemp food products and offers everything from Hemp Hearts (shelled hemp seed) to Hemp 
Protein powder. I love that quality is important to Manitoba Harvest – they take the seed-to-shelf approach by controlling everything from what hemp seed gets planted, to how products are manufactured, packaged, and distributed. These details matter to me!

Bottom line, I’m just so glad I took the time to learn about hemp foods because I know that my family is getting good nutrition with every bite!  

Photography by Jeremie Dupont