A few months ago, I told you how Thrive Market Saved my Marriage.  Now, it’s even making my marriage… healthier?  I recently decided to compare the prices of my favorite supplements (which I usually purchase at Whole Foods) to those at Thrive.  It made me a little sick…and then a little healthy…

Here are some of my favorite superfoods to add to a smoothie, or as Annabel calls it, a “sfinnie”:

Navitas Naturals Organic Shelled Hemp Seeds pack a punch of plant-based protein (say it five times).  How much exactly?  5 whopping grams per 1.5 tablespoons.  Hemp seeds have a neutral, somewhat nutty-flavor, and they are great sprinkled in yogurt, smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, you name it.  This bag is usually $15 at Whole Foods.  At Thrive it’s $8.45.

After I had Annabel, my hormones went haywire and I was super-stressed out (then I realized that most new moms are).  A friend recommended adding the superfood Maca Powder to my diet.  The maca root was prized throughout the Inca empire for its adaptogenic-like qualities that enable it to nourish and balance the body’s delicate endocrine system, and to help cope with stress. It also energizes naturally, without the jitters and crashes of caffeine, and it can aid in reproductive function, helping to balance hormones and increase fertility.  Essential Foods Andean Maca Powder Blend is usually about $35 at Whole Foods – it’s $23.95 at Thrive.

Where would my banana, kale and coconut milk Protein shakes be without Navitas Naturals Organic Cacao Powder?  If you don’t already know, Cacao is basically raw cocoa, aka the best thing ever for a chocolate-obsessed health-nut, aka me.  Pure, raw cacao is one of the richest sources of antioxidants found in nature, and it provides a nice dose of Magnesium, too.  It’s also great for baking.  At WF, it’s $23.  At Thrive, it’s $14.

Sun Potion Organic Chlorella is a fresh water, single-celled algae in powder form. It is considered to be one of the most nutritious and potent foods on the planet. It is a building block of fresh water food chain, and contains: 10% Chlorophyll; 50% Protein, Complete Amino Acid Chains and Essential Fatty Acids.  I add 1/2 of a teaspoon to my smoothies and I can’t taste the difference, which is always a plus.  It’s usually about $33, but at Thrive it is priced at $20.

1 tablespoon of Organic Traditions Chia Seeds are in my smoothie (and Annabel’s) every morning.  Chia seeds are loaded with omega fats, protein, antioxidants and dietary fiber. They have a mild nutty flavor, and since they absorb liquid, they’re ideal for hydration and feeling full.  I also make a mean chia pudding with these babies.  The Maya and Inca revered the tiny, but nutrient-dense, chia seed as a staple food, and even used it as currency.  I used to pay $9 for this bag at WF.  At Thrive, I pay $6.95.

THE DEETS:

Thrive Market offers all of your favorite natural and organics products at wholesale prices – I’m talking 25-50% off of retail (they cut out the middle-man and work directly with the vendors).  You can shop by your personal values, too.  For instance, if you are paleo, vegan or gluten-free, you can select those filters while shopping, which makes life so much easier.  And, orders over $49 ship for free.

There is an annual membership involved, ($59.95) but personally, my membership paid for itself in the savings from just one order, so that doesn’t bother me a bit.  The fact that Thrive Market gives a membership to a low-income American family for every membership purchased also makes me feel good.  I was a little wary at first about the packaging, but I learned that all of Thrive’s packaging, boxes and inserts are made from recycled materials and are recyclable, so that gave me even more peace of mind.

You can sign up for Thrive Market here!

*As always, I was not paid to write this post.*

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