Eating these will help health

It’s been a strange week for me. We had an unfortunate loss in the family this week, which is always difficult to take. I had a few meetings this week which didn’t pan out the way I’d like, certain people letting you down with promises and our new family puppy has been doing her best to wake us up at 4am most mornings.

I know I’m no different to many people in respect to dealing with whatever life throws at you, you’ve just got to get on with it. This week I’ve definitely been practicing what I preach and following my advice I gave in the post about boosting your mood. If you missed it you can check it out here.

This is why I love exercise. It’s like water- it helps ‘wash’ bad feelings away.

However, If you’re not in the mood to exercise, and I do appreciate it does happen sometimes, you can always eat to make you feel a little better.

Now before pick up your phone and start to order some food in from your local curry house or before you rush out to KFC. I need to tell you there are 'scientifically proven' foods that with help boost your mood. And you wont find them on the McDonald's menu either (at least not in the natural form).

I've listed five foods that I use not just to boost my mood, but to help me fuel my body correctly and aide my total well being. But before I get into that I just want to share a quick story about our new puppy Bea.

Bea was a birthday gift for my girlfriend (I finally gave in) Bea is 9 weeks old and a real hand full. As you know I have 2 boys and even they didn’t leave piles of s*@t around when they were babies (why has no one ever invented nappies for puppies!?).

Anyway, she has been with us for 2 weeks now. We took her to go meet my folks on mothers days. Now as a child growing up our house was very ‘anti-pets’ my brothers and I wanted a dog or even a cat, but Mom & Dad were having none of it. So I was a little apprehensive about introducing her to the folks as they may ask me to leave her outside. My parents are old ‘skool Jamaican’ and they always said an “animal mus have a yuoose”(said with a Jamaican accent) , i.e give milk, lay eggs, give meat or guard land. Bea does none of those.

I was pleasantly suppressed how well behaved she was, she was also very well received by the folks. When we sat down to eat dinner together she didn’t make a fuss or a noise. Both Mom and Dad enjoyed the time stroking her and said how relaxing it was. So I concluded that we would make regular visits to the folks to help them feel good and de-stress. Dad can also take her out for walks to help with his post stroke rehabilitation.

So another tip for you to feel good- get a pet they can help you and your family feel good.

Foods to help you feel good:

1. Dark chocolate

Yes! I hear you shout! Who would argue against the belief that it improves mood? But don’t be fooled into thinking all chocolate is the same. Don’t buy anything less than 65% coco content. Our regular chocolate is full of sugar, and sweeteners to make it taste amazing but do nothing nutritional for you.  Dark chocolate is made with a high proportion of cocoa it also contains high amounts of the antioxidant molecules the flavonoids and the phenolic phytochemicals known for their positive health benefits. You may need to change your pallet but it will be worth it.

2. Eggs

Eggs are great! they are a good source of the vital nutrient choline and protein. Choline has been shown to have a number of vital functions including optimal cell membrane function and neurotransmission thought to be related to mood and energy levels.

3. Walnuts

The unique thing about walnuts is that they are the nuts richest in the essential fats known to improve cell health. Just 10 walnuts each day helps to optimise cell wall composition and has been shown to help lower blood cholesterol levels, which will also help to improve blood flow around the body. Helping you to feel good.

4. Green tea (or super greens +D supplements)

I would like you to remember this little Mantra “Green is good”. On a day to day basis, drinking green tea will help to regulate your blood glucose levels, keep you alert and hydrated and anecdotally help to mange the dreaded sugar cravings after lunch. If you’re not a green tea fan, I would strongly recommend touchstone essentials super greens+D supplements. I’ve been using supper green for the last 3 months and sharing them with my clients and we have all seen the benefits of boosted immune systems and improved digestion. They are packed with extracts from Broccoli, Artichoke and spinach. Look no further for your daily green supply.

5. Quality Red meat

Many university studies have identified that one of the most common causes of fatigue in women aged 24-35 years is low iron. Meat eaters need to consume red in small amounts 3-4 times each week to get all the iron they need for optimal energy production. That does not include cheap beef/horse meat from McDonalds. It means cooking your own lamb, beef, venison or pork, Ideally from an organic source.

Commited to your health.