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Your journey to a happier and healthier life starts here. Get ready to learn all the different holistic and all natural solutions you already have available to you. Getting healthy shouldn’t be a struggle and your health journey is just as unique as you are. The more you know the better equipped you will be to tackle anything life may throw at you. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. I am always more than happy to help when and where I can. Are you ready to set sail on your journey to better health? 

How to Feed Your Mind

Your mind is by far the most powerful tool you have at your disposal. It can literally make or break your chances of success in ANYTHING that you do. Stress is easily one of the most common causes of weight gain. With everything that has been going on in the world as of late, it is easy to see just how damaging stress can be on our bodies. From weakening our immune systems to forcing our body to hold onto unwanted excess weight. Getting into the proper mindset for success is critical to ensure you take and keep the weight off. While there are a number of things you can do to naturally help reduce your stress levels and get your mind in the right place. Today we are going to focus on 6 foods that can help improve your brain health.

Your Center Of Command

It stands to reason that if you want to set yourself up for success that the best way to do just that is by starting with the brain. If your mind is your most powerful tool. Then the brain is by far your most powerful asset which requires constant nutrients to function properly. Your brain functions as your body’s main computer and when your computer is functioning at its best all systems attached to it do too. When things go wrong, however, our computer is one of the first areas to suffer. We have all experienced just how easy a clean computer system can make our lives (which is one of the main reasons we invest so heavily in technology). But what happens to our bodies that causes a delay within our brains and mind?

Healthy From The Ground Up

For most individuals, it is their inability to provide the body with the basic nutrients/building blocks it needs. When we fail to meet this basic need we force our bodies to break down other areas of our bodies to fill the gaps. Of course, the body is designed to protect itself first and as such will go for areas that are less critical for its survival. When this situation is allowed to continue for a prolonged period of time we end up running out of resources that are no longer non-critical to draw from. Simply put, it pays to provide our bodies with the materials they need to function properly first! 

“The mind grows by what it feeds on.”

J. G. Holland

You can achieve a healthy mind, body, and soul through food.  Healthy eating does not have to involve lengthy, complicated recipes with obscure ingredients. Here, I will discuss some natural, simple ingredients. These small foods can do wonders for your body when part of a daily diet.

Oregano

Dehydrated oregano is one of the richest food sources of luteolin, a plant compound with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.  The combination of these helps improve the cognitive functions of the brain. Because of its neuroprotective nature, oregano prevents the death of nerve cells, improving the nervous system. An improved nervous system is characterized by overall better brain function, better balance, enhanced perception, and increased responsiveness. Oregano also influences positive mood changes.

Dark chocolate 

Rich in glucose, dark chocolate is stimulating and energizing. According to research, people who eat chocolate once a week tend to have better cognitive activity. An improved cognitive state means better memory, scanning, tracking, and abstract reasoning skills. Chocolate has methylxanthine, a plant-produced compound that enhances various bodily functions. 

Walnuts 

Some of the healthiest nuts due to their high concentrations of several antioxidants. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have beneficial effects on brain function. The form of vitamin E found in walnuts has been shown to be effective for reducing heart-related health risks and disease. Walnuts are high in tryptophan making them ideal to help improve your sleep routine as well as mood.

Avocados

Contain twice as much potassium as a banana. They are also high in healthy monounsaturated fats which can help to lower cholesterol levels. Avocados reduce low-density lipoproteins, which are detrimental to your health, and increase high-density lipoproteins.  They contain significant amounts of potassium, an ion essential for maintaining normal blood pressure. It is also rich in vitamin K which improves the body’s blood clotting. Moreover, avocados are a good source of folate, an important substance for nerve cell health.

Blueberries

Recent Tufts University research suggests that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short-term memory loss. Blueberries contain a powerful combination of essential antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and other vitamins and minerals. Blueberries have been marketed as a superfood. But what does that really mean? In reality, it is just another way of saying they are nutrient-dense foods. Blueberries are mainly known for their antioxidant properties and their anti-inflammatory benefits. They can also help slow down the breaking down of bone (our bodies are constantly breaking down and rebuilding our bones if you have osteoporosis you have trouble rebuilding your bones). Blueberries help dilate arteries which lowers blood pressure and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are high in vitamin C which helps boost your immune system. 

Broccoli

This power-packed vegetable has also shown to have positive effects on cognitive activity. Research has revealed that broccoli is high in glucosinolates, a group of compounds that can halt the decline of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is necessary for the central nervous system to perform. Broccoli is another vegetable with a high concentration of both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It is also a great way to naturally reset your hormone levels. These little foods are packed with power and inexpensive.  Toss a few or more into your daily diet and reap the benefits!

Yellow Squash Casserole

Gluten Free Vegan Serves 10

  • 4 Cups Sliced Yellow Squash
  • ½ Cup White Onion Diced
  • 35 Gluten Free Crackers Crushed
  • 1 Cup Cashew Cheddar Cheese
  • ½ Cup Cashew Yogurt
  • ¾ Cup Coconut Milk
  • ¼ Cup Vegan Butter Melted
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 Tbsp Vegan Butter 
  • ¼ Cup Walnuts Chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the squash and onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in a small amount of water. Cover and cook until squash becomes tender (5 minutes). Drain well and place into a large bowl. In a medium bowl, mix together yogurt and milk. Add this mixture into squash and combine. Stir in ¼ cup melted butter while seasoning with salt and pepper. Spread mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining crackers, walnuts, and butter. Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Enjoy!

Need A Hand?

A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!

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