Yoga and fresh healthy foods combined – what’s not to like? I went to visit this new concept last week, and was pleasantly surprised. Yoga Plus is a restaurant with some private spaces to practice yoga. I have practiced yoga in the past, but for the last two years I had hardly done a sun salutation. I was reluctant to try out a class as I was scared it would be too hard for me. But I had nothing to fear, as Sabine Parra took it slow and easy. Parra has been practicing yoga for 15 years and teaching for a year. I was surprised how my body remembered all these poses and moves.

Yoga Plus is the brainchild of Vanessa Yang, a busy mom of two who has a passion for yoga and a love for healthy salads. She had the smart idea to combine the two and took it a level up by adding super foods. Quinoa, chickpeas, avocados and acai berries; all these and more healthy produce awaits the health-conscious public of Beijing. I tried a fresh smoothie with avocado after my yoga class, and had a grilled vegetable quinoa salad. Health-wise this menu hit the right spot. There is also a salad bar, and healthy sweets.

Both moms, Yang and Parra, can’t stop raving about the acai berry which graces the smoothie bowl. What’s so special about this berry? Apparently it is richer in antioxidants than cranberries, raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. Acai can be beneficial in preventing health problems like arthritis, inflammation and allergies. The berries are found on the Acai palm tree in South America.

Visit this restaurant and yoga space at lunchtime to nurture your body in several ways. Find this yoga spot here: 109, 1st floor, Xiaoyun Center, no.15 Xiaguangli, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Phone: 010-84463683

Photos: Pauline van Hasselt

From antediluvian detox smoothies to Gwyneth Paltrow’s absurd diet that excludes dairy, gluten, and sugar, we see that diet fads are just like fashion; they’re popular until the public is convinced of another major “scientific discovery” or “must-have” trend, andtheir preferences change. Scroll down your Tumblr or Instagram feed and you’ll most likely find endless posts dedicated to the ever-popular avocado and kale, or another dietary trend that’s sweeping the populace.

However, will these obsessions last? When will people tire of the damp, gooey taste of avocados, or the dark, dry kale salads?

Below are several items that are deemed the top “super” food trends of 2014 – ones that pack in maximum nutrients with minimal calories. Still, keep in mind that the ultimate purpose for consuming super foods is to build a “super” diet – one that enhances overall health in general.  

Pichuberries:
An uncommon fruit from Peru, pichuberriesare not only sweet, but also contain high levels of vitamin C, B12, iron, protein, and cancer-fighting compounds. According to its nutrition label, 3/4 cup of pichuberries provides around 39% of your daily-required Vitamin D value.

Sachainchi:
Also referred to as the Incan peanut, sachainchis are seeds that can be directly eaten or pressed to form heart-healthy oils. Also complete in the essential amino acids, this power food enhances memory and alertness. For those who are often forgetful, add them to salads for simple intake of nutrients.

Chia seeds:
Derived from the Aztec minority, chia seeds were valued as a nutritional super food long before it was worshipped in modern society. Not only do they contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, but they also provide an adequate amount of magnesium, fiber, zinc, and iron. Just half a teaspoon packs in the amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in 5 ounces of salmon.

These seeds are unprocessed whole grains that can be consumed directly or added into other dishes. Since they can absorb up to ten times their weight in water, they are used to thicken soup, gravies, puddings or immunity-boosting smoothies. Chia seeds can also be added into granola bars, muffins, or oatmeal.

Matcha (green tea):
Not to be confused with green tea, matcha is a concentrated green tea powder made from the whole tealeaf. Loaded with antioxidants, which reduces risks of attracting heart disease, it has gradually been taken on as part of the “tea craze”*. Substitute a typical morning cup of coffee with matcha, which boosts energy and promotes relaxation.

*The rising trend of tea-drinking that is beginning in the US, with Starbucks pairing with Teavana to open up a tea bar.

Beet juice:
Incorporated into many athletes’ diets, beet juice is known to improve athletic endurance and recovery. Studies show that consistent intake of beet juice enhances workout experiences and heart functioning by allowing for smoother oxygen and blood flow. Though beets can also be eaten whole, cooked beets actually contain fewer nutrients than juiced beets.

Though not all of these foods can be easily found in China, keep looking out for opportunities to try them, as they can effortlessly boost the energy or vitamins your normal diet lacks. However, as the term “craze” denotes, popular foods are transient. Even though avocadoes, quinoa, and kale are no longer on 2014’s “hot” list, they are undoubtedly still high in nutrients and should be consumed for a varied, nutritious diet.

This article originally appeared in the March, 2014 issue of UNIT-E. It was written by Cherry Chan, a student at the International School of Beijing.

About UNIT-E
UNIT-E was founded in the spring of 2010 with the aim of establishing a non-profit, student-run magazine for international students in Beijing. Staffed by current students from a range of international schools, the magazine provides an amalgam of cultural tidbits, fragments of Beijing student life, and a broad spectrum of unique perspectives from a diverse group of young adults.

Photos courtesy of UNIT-E and Martin Cathrae (Flickr)