The Power of Food

Food is obviously important for our survival, but did you know it also plays a huge role in our mood, focus abilities, and energy levels? Have you ever made a poor choice with your diet and felt groggy, irritable, or unmotivated the rest of the day or the following day? There’s a reason for that! Let’s learn some fun facts about ways to improve our diet to feel our best.

Flavonoids are plant chemicals that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors and help our brain work to it’s full potential. On days you are feeling unfocused, try reaching for a healthy snack such as beets, peaches, tomatoes grapes, oranges or apples as these contain high levels of flavonoids.

Some other vitamins/minerals that are important for our brains and bodies to feel their best are fiber, Vitamins A, C, B6, E, and K, iron, folate, choline, and potassium. Foods that contain these include:
blueberries, carrots, pomegranates, spinach, sweet potatoes, eggs, poultry, fish, chickpeas, soybeans, quinoa, flaxseed, pecans, walnuts, and tea.

A good rule of thumb is that the darker the food is – the healthier it is for you.

If you are not properly nourishing your brain, your brain will not be able to produce the proper amount of feel-good hormones that increase our happiness and satisfaction levels. Next time you are craving a salty or sugary snack – remember that even swapping out for a healthy snack once a week can make a
HUGE difference in your mood.

There are also certain foods that have been known to naturally help your body’s melatonin (sleep hormone) production. Eating these foods before bed can help you fall asleep quicker and easier and stay asleep.

These include bananas, pineapple, rice, honey, ginger root, asparagus, tomatoes and peanuts.