Life challenges can cause our mood to dip, but have you ever slipped into a slump when things are going well? Food is not something many of us think of when our mood is low, but it can be a key ingredient to re-balancing it when there may not appear to be a reason. Feeding our brain is something to keep in mind when meal planning for the week.
Here are 5 key foods to help keep the joy and happy feelings balanced.
St. Patrick’s Day has been my favorite day to get the kids and other non-green lovers to indulge in a tasty green drink! You won’t have to present it as a “healthy” drink, but rather a holiday celebration and even the little Leprechaun’s in your home can find it exciting.
This is a favorite in my household for its burst of spring freshness the fresh mint leaves give, along with the wonderful sweetness of fresh pineapple. Add in greens (for the festive color), avocado for its creamy texture, and both for their amazing blend of vitamin C, B’s, and many other nutrients. Cilantro is packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants, not to mention its detoxifying benefits. Pineapple contains bromelain which is a natural anti-inflammatory; add these with plain Greek yogurt for protein and healthy probiotics and you have an energizing drink for the whole family to enjoy before they set out for the day.
Don’t be frightened away by all the health benefits because it tastes just as good as it is healthy!
This whole grain is not just another healthy gluten free fad. It’s a superfood that was popular over 500 years ago known by the Inca tribes as the “food of the warriors”, and although it is considered a whole grain it is actually a seed. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is known for its versatility, adapting the flavors it’s combined with, packed with nutrients, contains all the essential amino acids (making it a complete protein). The best part, you can enjoy it for breakfast, a side dish, salads, or dessert!
Don’t miss my favorite recipe for those racing days or victory evenings…
If you have ever burned a scented candle and felt its calming effects, or used mint scented soap or body scrub that left you feeling invigorated, then you have experienced the effects of Aromatherapy. The most common use is through essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, even the bark of certain trees and their healing benefits are endless.
For centuries the more commonly known uses were in perfumes and food products, and now the ancient therapeutic remedies of essential oils are becoming increasingly popular. More recent studies show how certain oils have the ability to reach receptors to the brain, improving mood, sleep, anxiety, all important factors in reducing stress which is one of the top contributors to inflammation.
The wonderful thing about essential oils; each oil can benefit various health and lifestyle issues.
Valentine’s Day is not complete without those little indulgences of chocolate. This treat is the perfect ending to the day and it even has a healthy flair without skimping on the yummy factor.
The organic strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, while the dark chocolate gives us antioxidants, may enhance mood with it’s serotonin boosting qualities, plus calcium and magnesium for a relaxed, restful sleep. Adding a touch of cream to the recipe acts as a stabilizer, helping the chocolate set quickly without the need to heat to a certain temperature. The best part; you can cook and be ready to serve within 30 minutes!
Fat may not be the diet villain we were led to believe, at least when it comes to “healthy fats”. For years we have heard that fats make you fat! We had the “fat free” craze of the 90’s with all the low fat and fat free versions of our favorite foods showing up on the grocery shelves. You may have noticed though if you look at the labels of the “fat free” foods, they typically have higher amounts of sugar to compensate for the taste.
You’ll be happy to know that our bodies DO need a small amount of fat to stay healthy, maintain an active metabolism, and keep our heart and bodies functioning properly. It comes down to choosing your fats wisely! Healthy fats can help keep our appetite satisfied so we are not craving and eating all the sweet and sugary foods. When mixed with a well-balanced nutritious meal, they can help slow down the digestion process reducing the amount of insulin released, keeping us from those unhealthy cravings while helping reduce our risks of Type II Diabetes!
Not all fats are created equal, so choosing wisely is the key!
