Healthy Eats

Foods To Boost Your Mood

January 21, 2020 by Joni Leave a Comment

Food is Fuel

Food has the ability to improve your mood. If you have a fairly good diet, you can open up your pantry and come upon plenty of mood-boosting delicacies that are both healthy and delicious.

When you are dealing with any mood changes, whether it is more irritability, anger, or just mood swings, it is a good idea to take a look at your health and lifestyle first. While it might be related to a medical condition that your doctor can help treat, consider what your current lifestyle is like.

Are you drinking alcohol or caffeine more than normal? Do you get enough exercise? How is your stress level?

Another important aspect of your mood and mental health is with your diet. There are quite a few healthy and delicious foods that are not only food for your body, but can help boost your mood as well.

Here are the top 14 foods that are going to give you a nice mood boost.

1. Dark Leafy Greens
The first type of food that can be amazing for your mood is dark, leafy greens. Greens have a variety of nutrients. These include fiber, which balances your blood sugar, B vitamins for brain health, as well as iron.

Studies show that iron deficiency is closely linked to anxiety and disrupted neurotransmitters as well, which provides even more reason to eat these nutritious veggies.

Iron also helps to produce energy, which can lead to positive feelings. While it can be great for boosting your mood, you also want to be sure not to have too much iron. Talk to your doctor to discuss the right amount.

2. Salmon
Salmon acts as a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are exceptional for helping to boost your mood. Omega-3 fatty acids act as crucial elements in the development of your nervous system and brain. In geographical areas where the residents eat more fatty fish, they become less likely to get anxious or depressed, so it makes sense that it would be good for your mood!

There are also high amounts of protein as well as vitamins B12 and D in omega-3 fatty foods like salmon. If you haven’t had much salmon before, try adding it into your diet slowly. And please do not buy farm raised salmon. Definitely not your healthy choice!

You can just have a little bit of salmon on your salad with lots of veggies (and leafy greens!), or make a small serving of blackened salmon with brown rice and steamed veggies. Super simple.

3. Turkey
Full of tryptophan, turkey produces a neurotransmitter called serotonin. When you have lower levels of tryptophan in your body, that can lead to less serotonin development as well as an increase in depression and anxiety. Turkey also has tyrosine, an amino acid that is related to neurotransmitters.

Turkey is a healthy, low-fat protein option, so it is great for most people’s diets. Whether you are on a general healthy diet, low-carb or low-fat diet, it is going to work great for you. Start adding turkey to your sandwiches, have roasted turkey for dinner, or use ground turkey in place of ground beef in different recipes.

Some other mood-boosting elements of turkey include vitamins B6 and B12, as well as zinc. Zinc deficiencies often lead to increased occurrences of depression and anxiety.

Other high tryptophan foods include nuts, seeds, tofu, cheese, red meat, chicken, turkey, fish, oats, beans, lentils, and eggs.

4. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds act as another rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as nutrients such as iron, calcium, fiber, and protein. These powerful seeds also contains magnesium, which increases feelings of well-being.

There are so many benefits to chia seeds, that they will not only help aid in boosting your mood along with these other nutritious foods, but they provide overall health and wellness for your body and mind.

The easiest way to incorporate more chai seeds into your diet is by adding them to your smoothie or protein shake. This chia seed pudding is an easy make-ahead treat.

5. Eggs
Eggs were previously thought to be a slightly unhealthy options because of the higher fat content, but many studies have shown that they don’t have the effect on your cholesterol than was once predicted. Of course, if your doctor advises against them, they might still be something to pass up.

However, if you like eggs, definitely add them to your diet to help boost your mood. They are high in vitamins B12 and D, as well as protein. Eggs have choline, which helps with your nervous system, mood, and makes neurotransmitters and selenium, an antioxidant. When you eat antioxidant-rich foods, it helps with your brain health and boosts your mood.

6. Lentils
Next up is lentil, which supply folate, a vitamin that helps your nervous system develop. Those who are deficient in folate experience higher rates of depression. They also contain fiber, which helps with blood sugar, protein, vitamin B6, and iron. Vitamin B6 makes neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

If you are not accustomed to eating lentils, just start small by adding some to salads or having soup with lentils in them.

7. Avocados
The good thing about avocados is that not only do they help boost your mood, but they are delicious! Many people love eating avocados but had no idea they could actually be good for you.

It is true that avocados are higher in fat, but it is the healthy type of fat. They contain fiber and vitamins B6, E and C. Another valuable vitamin you can get from avocados is B5, which helps your neurotransmitters develop.

8. Fermented Foods
In the past few years, research has shown a definite link between your brain and gut. Over 90 percent of serotonin gets produced in your digestive system. So, to get your moods back on track, you will need to prioritize your gut health.

These days, researchers have looked at the link between mood and gut bacteria. Some meta-analyses even say that probiotics can help with depression.

Whether your fermented food item of choice is sauerkraut, kombucha, or even dairy-free yogurt, all of these foods are excellent sources of probiotics.

9. Chocolate
There is a reason you tend to feel better and happier after eating chocolate, and it is not just from the sugar. Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is amazing for health and wellness. It contains compounds such as phenylethylamine (for endorphins) and anandamide, which researchers call the “bliss” chemical. Not only is chocolate a good source of antioxidants, but it can also improve cognition and mood.

For a healthier option, try to go for the darkest chocolate you are able to enjoy, looking for lower amounts of sugar in the chocolate.

10. Ghee
If you don’t like butter or can’t eat it due to a dairy allergy, you’re in luck! You can instead use ghee, which is made from butter, but doesn’t have the same effect on your body. It also happens to be another great food for improving your mood.

Also known as clarified butter, ghee has a lot of nutritious fats as well as vitamin D. It also helps to heal the digestive tract, which allows your gut bacteria to develop.

11. Sunflower Seeds
A great source of vitamins B6, E, and magnesium, sunflower seeds are a good mood booster for those with allergies to nuts. You can easily switch any type of nut called for in a recipe for sunflower seeds.

Try adding sunflower seeds to your salads, or just having a handful of the seeds as a snack with a piece of fruit or cheese.

12. Almonds
Almonds act as an amazing source of protein, vitamin E, fiber, and magnesium. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, which helps fight damage caused by free radicals. This food item also improves your cognition and memory.

Not only can they help improve your mood and your overall health, but they are really easy to add to your diet. There are so many ways to incorporate more almonds into your diet, from dipping apple slices in almond butter, to switching to almond flour in your baked goods when you want a healthier option.

13. Bell Peppers
Before finishing off this list, we can’t forget about bell peppers. All colors of bell peppers are great for you, low in fat, low in carbohydrates, and have lots of vitamins and minerals.

Bell peppers have the antioxidant vitamin C, which helps the functioning of your nervous system and the improvement of your cognition. Studies show that vitamin C reduces your stress and helps with mood.

14. Sardines
Last, but not least, are sardines. These are an acquired taste and not mandatory, but a good option if you enjoy the salty fish. Sardines come with a bunch of mood-boosting elements. In addition to high levels of vitamin B12, sardines have choline, vitamin D, protein, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Simple Changes = Big Rewards!

Boosting your mood with food is one of the easiest ways to improve your well-being over time. You can see results even if you don’t overhaul your diet right away. Just making one or two changes to your diet to include more mood-friendly foods can be just the thing to change your life for the better.

Whether that change involves getting acquainted with kombucha or keeping a dark chocolate bar in your drawer “in case of emergency”, making tweaks to your diet now can pay dividends in the future.

Deconstructing Cravings

December 26, 2019 by Joni Leave a Comment

Deconstructing cravings seems like an uphill battle. Mixed signals create chaos in relationships. As they do when it comes to cravings.

Deconstructing your cravings is not that difficult. Understanding that a strong craving is not a signal from the stomach that you’re hungry, but messaging from your brain is an excellent place to start.

Hunger is all about your survival mechanism, but cravings are all about your body communicating with you. From there it’s easy to remember that your brain is looking for something specific. Not just the flavor experience, but fuel to help your body thrive.

What Can Cause Food Cravings?

Below is a chart of all the common food cravings, flavor cravings and eating habits you may experience, the reason behind each craving and all the foods you can eat to fix the craving!

This chart was first published by Colleen Huber on her website and then in her book “CHOOSE YOUR FOODS: Like Your Life Depends on Them, by Colleen Huber, NMD” in 2007.

Craving this:	Reason is:	Restore with this:

COMMON FOOD
Cheese	Essential Fatty Acids deficiency	Omega 3′s (EPA and DHA)– Flax oil, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts
	Calcium deficiency	Sesame seeds/ tahini, broccoli, kale, legumes, mustard and turnip greens
Pasta, white bread, pastries	Chromium deficiency	Onion, romaine lettuce, tomato, cinnamon, grapes, apples, sweet potato
Bread and toast	Nitrogen deficiency	Foods containing proteins, i.e.. Green leafy veg, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains
Red meat	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C for iron absorption
Popcorn	Stress hormone fluctuations	Medit ation, breathing exercises, exercise, leafy greens, vitamin B and C
Crisps	Chloride deficiency	Celery, olives, tomato, kelp, Himalayan sea salt
	Essential Fatty Acids deficiency	Omega 3′s (EPA and DHA)– Flax oil, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts

FLAVOR
Burned Food	Carbon deficiency	Fresh fruits
Acid foods	Magnesium deficiency	Raw cacao nibs/beans/powder, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, greens, fruit
Salty Foods	Chloride deficiency	Celery, olives, tomato, kelp, Himalayan sea salt
	Stress hormone fluctuations	Meditation, breathing exercises, exercise, leafy greens, vitamin B and C

SWEETS
Chocolate	Magnesium deficiency	Raw cacao nibs/beans/powder, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, greens, fruit, magnesium
Soda, fizzy drinks	Calcium deficiency	Sesame seeds/ tahini, broccoli, kale, legumes, mustard and turnip greens
General sweets	Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)	Fruit, high fibre foods (beans, legumes), complex carbs (grains), chromium (cinnamon)
	Tryptophan deficiency	Spirulina, pumpkin/sesame/sunflower seeds, raw cacao, oatmeal, sweet potato, spinach, raisins
	Chromium deficiency	Onion, romaine lettuce, tomato, cinnamon, grapes, apples, sweet potato
	Sulphur deficiency	Cruciferous vege (kale, cabbage, etc), cranberries, horseradish, asparagus, carob powder, garlic, onion
	Phosphorus deficiency	Whole grains, pinto beans, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, lentils

STIMULANTS
Coffee or black tea	Sulphur deficiency	Cruciferous vege (kale, cabbage, etc), cranberries, horseradish, asparagus, carob powder, garlic, onion
	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C for iron absorption
	NaCl (salt) deficiency	Himalayan salt, Apple Cider vinegar, kombucha
	Phosphorous deficiency	Whole grains, pinto beans, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts, lentils
Alcohol, recreational drugs	Calcium deficiency	Sesame seeds/ tahini, broccoli, kale, legumes, mustard and turnip greens
	Glutamine deficiency	Cabbage, beetroot, beans, spinach, parsley, vegetable juice, bone broth
	Protein deficiency	Green leafy vegetable, nuts, seeds, legumes, grains, beans
	Potassium deficiency	Citrus fruits, bitter green leafy veg, banana, tomato, pineapple, black olives, seaweeds
	Avenin deficiency	Oatmeal, granola, cereals, whole grains
Tobacco	Silicon deficiency	Horsetail herb, nuts, seeds, oats, millet, barley, onions, whole wheat, beetroot. Avoid refined starches
	Tyrosine deficiency	Fruits (esp. avocado and banana), whole grains, oats, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, Vitamin C, vegetables

EATING HABITS
Lack of appetite	Chloride deficiency	Celery, olives, tomato, kelp, Himalayan salt
	Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency	Whole grains, peanuts, seeds, beans, green and yellow vegetables
	Niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency	Peanuts, sunflower seeds, wheat bran and wheat germ
	Manganese deficiency	Walnuts, almonds, pecans, whole grains, green leafy veges, pineapple, blueberries
Often overeating	Tryptophan deficiency	Spirulina, pumpkin/sesame/sunflower seeds, raw cacao, oatmeal, sweet potato, spinach, raisins
	Tyrosine deficiency	Fruits (esp. Avocado and banana), whole grains, oats, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, Vitamin C, veges
	Silicon deficiency	Horsetail herb, nuts, seeds, oats, millet, barley, onions, whole wheat, beetroot. Avoid refined starches
Often snacky	No balanced diet, missing nutrients	Do a detox, substitute junk food for healthy meals

MORE BIZARRE
Crunching on ice	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C for iron absorption
Laundry starch	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C for iron absorption
Cigarette butts	Iron deficiency	Beans, legumes, unsulphured prunes, figs+ other dried fruit, seaweed, spinach, cherries, Vitamin C for iron absorption

Taming the Cravings

Food cravings are a major roadblock for people trying to maintain a healthy weight or switch to a more healthful diet. Luckily, there are some simple steps to take to handle these cravings.

Reducing stress levels

Pregnant women often experience strong cravings. This may be due to hormonal changes, which are thought to cause some food cravings.

Stress and emotional eating can influence a variety of health issues. Feeling stressed may promote emotional eating and cravings for comfort foods.

One study – Trusted Source found that stressed women are more prone to cravings for sweets than women without stress. Eating due to stress may also cause weight gain and a larger hip circumference.

Stress may also cause weight gain on its own, without extra food cravings. Stress results in higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which may promote belly fat.

Drinking Plenty of Water

Hunger and thirst can produce very similar sensations in the mind, causing it to become confused. One of the easiest ways to reduce food cravings is to make sure the body is hydrated throughout the day.

Drinking plenty of water helps clean out toxins from the body, which may also benefit a person’s overall well-being.

Getting Enough Sleep

A 2013 study found that not getting enough sleep could alter the body’s hormonal balance. This imbalance contributes to overeating and weight gain.

The researchers noted that when the sleep-deprived participants switched to an adequate sleep schedule, they lost weight, which indicates that their hormones were brought back into balance.

Eating Enough Protein

A healthful diet should contain plenty of lean sources of protein, as they may help reduce cravings.

A study in the journal Obesity found that overweight men were able to reduce their cravings by up to 60 percent by getting 25 percent of their daily calorie intake from protein.

The same study found that a high protein diet helped reduce the desire for nighttime snacks by 50 percent.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum keeps the mouth busy and may help reduce both sweet and salty cravings.

One study found a small but significant difference in sweet and salty snack consumption among people who chewed gum and those who did not. Those who chewed gum rated themselves less hungry, had fewer cravings for snacks, and felt fuller than those who did not chew gum.

Changing the Scenery

Changing habits, such as stopping at the park instead of picking up fast food on the way home, can help to reduce cravings in the long-term.

Replacing habits can be difficult, and some food cravings may be due to long-term habits. For instance, if someone gets fast food on their way home from work every day, this practice may reinforce their cravings.

In situations like these, it is best to start new habits. This can be as easy as taking a new route home from work or stopping at the park for a quick walk instead.

For cravings at home, it may help to take a walk around the block, take a shower, or even call a friend. These things may help distract a person from their craving long enough for it to subside.

Avoiding Hunger

A healthful diet does not include frequent hunger pangs. In fact, under-eating can make food cravings worse.

When the body is very hungry, it may crave more calorie-dense foods than usual, including fried and processed foods.

Instead of waiting for intense feelings of hunger, it is better to have a regular pattern of meals and healthful snacks planned throughout the day to avoid potential cravings.

Controlling Portions

It can help to put this treat at the end of a healthful habit, such as going for a walk or completing an exercise routine.

For some people, completely avoiding the food they crave may make these cravings worse. This can lead to overeating or feeling miserable without that food. In this case, it may be better to satisfy the cravings with a small, portion-controlled treat.

If a person is prone to binge eating, a better option is to replace the craving altogether.

Did you recognize any food cravings that you experience in the chart above? Do you have your own questions, comments or feedback to add? Then leave your thoughts below!

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup

November 27, 2019 by Joni Leave a Comment

I felt like I needed a little spice in my life this week! So black bean and sweet potato soup for the win. We don’t like it too spicy but that’s the beauty in a recipe like this – you can make it fit your palate. Simple, fresh ingredients make this soup filling and super nutritious.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, diced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
½ t. crushed red pepper flakes
1 T. ground cumin
2 t. chili powder
½ t. dried oregano
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 T. tomato paste
2 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 c. vegetable broth
1 c. frozen corn
¼ c. fresh cilantro, chopped
2 T. fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat and add red onion and bell peppers. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies become soft and fragrant, around 4-5 minutes.
Add crushed red pepper, cumin, chili powder, and dried oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spices become fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
Add sweet potatoes, tomato paste, and black beans. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired, and stir to combine. Add vegetable broth and increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
Stir in the corn, cilantro and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired, before serving. Enjoy!

3 Ways to Make Lighter Holiday Desserts

November 26, 2019 by Joni Leave a Comment

Avoiding the Sugar-Monkey during the holidays is a challenge for everyone. When you sit down to a meal knowing that there might be some kind of sweet treat to look forward to at the end, it’s likely that your imagination will dart right back to that thought through the entire meal, but what if you’re trying to avoid heavy desserts? It can be very difficult to stick to a healthy eating style when you are continuously having to pass up the great tasting foods that you love, so this article will help you by showing you 3 ways to make lighter holiday desserts.

Happy Gingerbread Muffins

Preheat your oven at 375 degrees.

Take a large bowl and whip an egg with ½ cup of sour cream,
½ cup of liquid coconut oil,
½ cup of milk,
½ cup of maple syrup,
⅓ cup of molasses
and about a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
Then add the 1 ½ cups of flour,
1 cup whole wheat flour,
1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda,
and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.

Pour the mix into a greased muffin pan, sprinkle the tops with about 2 pinches of sugar each, and place into the oven until the tops rise and are puffy. Let it cool and serve!

Peanut Butter Cookie Balls

This recipe is extremely easy and fun.

Take ½ cup of peanuts, ½ cup of dates or raisins, ¼ cup of peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of real vanilla, and blend until it becomes a soft, sticky, dough-like substance.

You should be able to roll the material into balls very easily, but if it’s too sticky and won’t ball up, try adding water about a tablespoon at a time until it’s workable.

While you are getting ready to prepare the balls, put 4 ounces of dark chocolate into a small metal bowl in a hot oven so that it melts slowly. Be sure that t doesn’t get heated for too long or it will break down the chocolate.

Once you have balled all of the dough into balls you can place them on a cookie sheet and chill them for a few minutes in the freezer so you can dip them in the chocolate. Once dipped, you can place them on a piece of wax paper and place them back in the refrigerator to chill and set the dark chocolate. Later you can serve them for a nice treat!

Chocolate Covered Coconut Balls

Take 2 cups desiccated coconut without added sugar, 4 tablespoons honey, 4 ½ tablespoons coconut oil, 1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla, and blend it on a high setting until it becomes pliable to the point where you can ball it with your hands.

Place each ball onto a piece of wax paper and chill for a few minutes so that they are solid.

Begin melting the 4 ¼ ounces dark chocolate in a metal bowl in a hot oven. Dip the chilled coconut balls into the melted chocolate and place them in the refrigerator to chill.

Once they are solid you can be ready to taste a high-end snack that you made with your own hands!

Joni Tip: I adore chocolate and peppermint together! Yes, Thin Mints from the Girl Scouts used to be my weakness. But now I can simply add a drop of peppermint essential oil to the mixture before I chill and roll it into balls for an amazing little bit of heaven on my tongue!!!

Knowing your triggers and placing alternatives in easy reach are two ways to help keep the Sugar-Monkey in check. I’d love to hear about any quick and easy and healthy sweet treats you enjoy. Be sure to share in the comments!

Creamy Ginger Carrot Soup

November 21, 2019 by Joni Leave a Comment

This soup is creamy and dreamy without the dairy. Creamy Ginger Carrot soup is a staple here in the cooler months. Easy to make and it tastes amazing. It’s full of nourishing goodness to sustain you and take the chill off.

Hope you like it! Be sure to let us know in the comments and while you’re at it, share your favorite simple soup recipe with us.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 small sweet onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ lbs. carrots, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 c. vegetable broth, preferably organic
1 T. fresh ginger, minced
2 t. fresh thyme leaves
1/3 c. full-fat coconut milk

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
Add vegetable broth, minced ginger, and thyme leaves and stir to combine. Cover and cook until the carrots are fork tender, approximately 10-15 minutes. Stir once or twice while cooking.
Remove from heat and puree mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. (A regular blender or food processor can also be used for this step). Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired.
Return to medium heat and add coconut milk. Stir until barely combined and cook until heated through, approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips for Sneaking in More Fruits and Veggies into Holiday Dishes

November 14, 2019 by Joni Leave a Comment

When it comes to nutrition, how are you doing? Do you feel like you get enough fruits and vegetables into your diet? Some people who are trying to learn to become more health conscious find it very difficult to eat well during the holidays. If you have been looking for a way to get more of what you need from the food you eat, then you will be excited to see that this post will be sharing some ideas on how you can sneak more fruits and vegetables in your holiday dishes.

Special Salads

There are a number of salads that incorporate fruit into them such as the notorious Waldorf salad. This salad is made of mayonnaise, apples, raisins, berries and other fruits. These can be a great and even fun way to get your extra fruits in, but if the Waldorf doesn’t tickle your taste buds, you can also try something a little more relaxed like the Brussels sprouts slaw that uses thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, tossed in a light dressing with cranberries and Parmesan cheese. Mincing and dicing the vegetables into very small pieces can also go a long way for this purpose.

Rice Dishes

Rice dishes are great for dinners, and they accommodate the addition of vegetables very well. Few people have a serious issue with things like Spanish rice, and it usually will contain up to 3 different types of vegetables. Cutting your vegetables to sizes around a quarter of an inch can add rich flavor and a beautiful aesthetic appeal that has the potential to attract even the pickiest of eaters. This little trick works with quinoa as well. We do it here all the time!

Soups

This is one of the best ways to get your vegetables if you have trouble eating them. When a soup is made it simmers the contents until they are very soft. This could be very advantageous for people who don’t like to eat vegetables much because this gives them the benefit of the vegetables without having them have to sit and chew on them. The same goes for juicing your fruits and veggies. However, in a soup, the broth becomes the carrier of the nutrients.

Smoothies

Are you looking for a healthy way to start your day, while busy preparing a holiday meal? If so, you can get both fruits and veggies by making a smoothie. This is a lot healthier than making a batch of cinnamon rolls, and reduces the guilt later in the day when you indulge in all those taste holiday meals. We like to add a dash of cinnamon to our smoothies as another way to help balance blood sugar.

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Foods To Boost Your Mood

Food is Fuel

Simple Changes = Big Rewards!