Eating For Health

Feeling down, anxious, under stress?   Many people turn to food to boost their mood but then choose junk food, foods high in sugar and fat.   Junk foods won’t really help improve your mood.   What are some foods that not only are mood boosters but also good for your health? Good fats and your mood: The Harvard Health Blog notes the healthy omega-3 fats actually travel to our brains and interact “with mood-related molecules in the brain.   These healthy fats are also anti-inflammatory which helps “relieve depression”.   And omega-3 fats may help stabilize any mood swings.   (See:   What are omega 3 fats and why are they good for you? )   Some ways to add omega-3 fats to your day: Fish:   A good source of omega-3 fats are fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines.   Oils:   flaxseed oil and canola oil. Seeds:   Flaxseeds, chia seeds Nuts:   walnuts are high in omega-3 fats Green, leafy vegetables lik...

Have you ever heard someone say that when they are stressed, they like to eat?   When you are stressed are their foods that might help calm you? Help fight that stress?   If you research foods and stress, you will come across any number of headlines:   9 Foods and Beverages That May Promote Calm , What are some foods that east anxiety? , 13 foods that fight stress .   So, what foods might you keep on hand or seek out when you want some calm in your life?   Fruit – satisfy your sweet tooth with some fruit, especially berries .   All those healthy antioxidants in berries can “help protect your cells from stress and may help ease feelings of depression.”     Oranges are another fruit good for fighting stress.   It is the vitamin C that helps fight anxiety.   Studies have shown that diets rich in C “may help calm you and put you in a better frame of mind “.      (See:   Are you getting your daily vitamin C? )  Ra...

Are you in the habit of taking a morning walk?   If not, should you start?   Scientists have found there are many health benefits to starting your day with an early morning walk.   Eat This, Not That! has a great article , What Going for a Morning Walk Does to Your Body, Says Science .   And it doesn’t have to be a long walk, even 10 minutes can benefit your health. A brain boost – Your brain relies on sugar (glucose) for energy and this glucose is in your blood.   Walking increases the amount of blood going to your brain and thus increases the amount of fuel going to your brain.   Researchers from New Mexico Highlands University found that a steady walk significantly improved blood flow to the brain.   Want some tips on improving your walk, then Harvard has some for you, The Secret Trick for Walking for Exercise .   What is the “secret”?   To start, just walk at a steady pace for 5-20 minutes a day a few days a week.   Get your ...