Why Hemp Hearts are this Dietitian's Favourite SUPER Food

By Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of HealthyGroceryGirl.com

As a Registered Dietitian, I love to learn and share about foods and recipes that make it easier to eat well and meet my nutritional needs for the day. My nutrition philosophy is to eat real food, mostly plants, but there’s a twist… I recommend making up your own food rules! Create a dietary plan that is realistic and enjoyable for you while nourishing your body at the same time.

Personally, I eat a mostly plant-based diet. Nuts and seeds are my favorite go-to healthy convenience food due to their nutrient density, versatility and ease. While the nutrition profile of each nut and seed will vary slightly, in general all nuts and seeds contain protein, fiber, healthy fats as well as vitamins and minerals. We need all of these nutrients to help our body thrive and function optimally.

When I first discovered Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts I loved how simple and versatile they were to use. I started sprinkling them on just about everything! They have a mild flavor profile, which makes them great to add to just about any recipe. Nutritionally, Hemp Hearts are also impressive, containing 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of omega 3 and omega 6 fats per serving, which is 3 tablespoons or 30 grams. Because Hemp Hearts are so easy to enjoy and nutrient dense, they have become a daily staple in our house. As an added bonus, they just make your meal look fabulous! If you share a lot of food photos on Instagram like me, you’ll appreciate how they elevate any meal or snack to look even more delicious!

Here are 12 ways that I use Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts!

  1. On top of oatmeal.
  2. On top of yogurt. I love non-dairy yogurts made with almond, coconut or cashew milk.
  3. In a smoothie.
  4. Sprinkled on top of a nourish bowl made with beans, rice and veggies.
  5. Added to a salad.
  6. On top of red sauce or pesto with pasta.
  7. Added into homemade baked treats such as cookies, muffins or bread.
  8. Added into homemade energy bars or bites.
  9. For making homemade Hemp Heart Milk!
  10. Added to homemade dips or spreads such as hummus, salsa and nut or seed butters.
  11. Sprinkled on avocado toast with a pinch of sea salt.
  12. Add to homemade waffle or pancake batter.

If you’re looking for some recipe ideas, here are some of favorites from my blog!

These Breakfast Cookies are a favorite and contain Hemp Hearts for a boost of protein, fiber and healthy fats!

Yogurt and Fruit Hemp Heart Parfaits are a quick and healthy breakfast or snack!

These Energy Bites made with Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts are a simple and fun snack with endless ingredient combinations!

For more healthy eating tips and recipe make sure to follow Healthy Grocery Girl on Instagram and YouTube!