Quickly Boost Your Mood With These Food Items

We know that there is a link between food and mental health, so the logical thing to do is to watch what we eat.

Some people binge eat when on a low, while some starve themselves. As is usually the case, finding a middle ground is the best thing to do.

When you feel that your mood is sliding down that slippery slope, grab some of this fast mood-boosting food. You’ll be doing yourself a favor and averting disaster.
[Read more…] about Quickly Boost Your Mood With These Food Items

Originally posted on August 5, 2016 @ 8:30 am

Why Losing Weight Is Harder than Ever

Everyone, at one time or another, began a weight loss plan. Sticking to it and succeeding is another story altogether. But all agree that in these times, it’s getting harder to lose weight than ever before. There have been studies that show why, given the same diets and physical activities, it’s still harder to shed off the pounds today than it was a generation or two ago. This change has been attributed to pollution, additives in food, our shifting times for meals, technology and a number of other reasons. [Read more…] about Why Losing Weight Is Harder than Ever

Originally posted on June 14, 2016 @ 5:44 am

The Disadvantages of Tea

Wait – isn’t tea a healthy drink? At the very least, it is healthier than coffee, right? Everyone knows that.

It is common knowledge – backed up by science – that tea has a lot of health benefits.

It has anti-cancer properties.
It boosts your immune system.
It helps you focus and concentrate.
It helps relieve stress.
It tastes good, making you feel good. 🙂

So, how did the topic of disadvantages of tea come up?

Because there are some downsides to tea. [Read more…] about The Disadvantages of Tea

Originally posted on May 12, 2016 @ 8:30 am

Food and Mental Health [Infographic]

Earlier this month, I wrote about food to avoid when depressed. To recap, you should avoid processed food, caffeine, soy, trans fat, refined sugar, and artificial sweeteners. That post is by no means an exhaustive list of food to avoid if you know that you have depression, but it’s a good place to start.

Today, I found an infographic focusing on the topic. Titled “It’ll Go to Your Head: Food and Mental Health”, the infographic basically mentions certain kinds of food that affect the state of our mental health. [Read more…] about Food and Mental Health [Infographic]

Originally posted on January 27, 2016 @ 8:00 am

Food to Avoid If You Have Depression

There is the old saying that “you are what you eat”, and it studies have shown that the food we eat may have effects on our mental state as well.

If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, you may already be seeing a therapist. You may be taking medication to deal with chemical imbalances in your brain.

But have you taken a close look at what you eat on a regular basis? Perhaps what you are eating isn’t helping your depression at all.

Why don’t we take a look at food to avoid if you have depression? [Read more…] about Food to Avoid If You Have Depression

Originally posted on January 12, 2016 @ 8:00 am

How to Wake Up at Work: Snack Right!

We all have those days when we just can’t seem to stay awake at the office. For some, it’s a constant thing; and of course, we can’t have that. In order to be productive at work, we need energy to keep going through the day.

There’s the usual coffee, but if you want a healthier way of staying awake at work, why not bring snacks that will make sure you wake up at work?

Here are some quick and tasty ideas.

Wake up at work with these snacks

Water

Water isn’t a snack, is it? Perhaps technically it isn’t. But your body needs to be hydrated all day to function well. Drinking lots of water throughout the day will do that and keep you awake. On a side note, drinking lots of water will make you go to the loo. You’ll certainly wake up at work then!

Low-fat chocolate milk

For some people, water just doesn’t do it. You can always go for soda water, but if you want something else, a cold glass of chocolate milk might do the trick. Try to go for low-fat if you can.

Dark chocolate

Chocolate lovers, here’s another reason to go for dark. Not only does it taste good, it’s a great snack to help you wake up at work. With its iron and magnesium content, dark chocolate provides a lot of energy. Just make sure what you eat has 70% cocoa – at least.

Bananas

Feeling low in energy but only want a really quick bite? Take a banana – or two – with you to work. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, which give you energy.

Ginger Tea

An alternative to coffee – and other types of tea – ginger tea is caffeine-free and gives a nice energy boost, especially in the afternoon.

Apples

Apples are awesome when it comes to keeping you awake. Why?

Natural sugar (fructose)
Carbohydrates
Fiber

Eggs

Eggs are more like a breakfast food item, right? But who says you can’t snack on an egg instead? You can bring a boiled egg or an egg sandwich to work and eat that for a snack. Eggs have protein and B vitamins, so you’ll certainly wake up. Just don’t eat too many eggs per day.

Almonds

These nuts have long been known to provide an energy boost, so have a bag of them handy. Nutritionists say that raw, unflavored almonds are the healthiest.

Lentil chips

Not all chips are created equal, and chips don’t have to be unhealthy! Go for lentil chips, black bean chips, and other similar food items. You can even use a little spreadable cheese wedges to make your snack tastier.

Yoghurt and berries

Yoghurt has a bit of fat and berries natural sugar. That’s a winning combination to wake you up. If you can find greek yoghurt, it’s even healthier.

Cottage cheese

Just like yoghurt, cottage cheese has the fat to keep you going, but not too much. You can make a tastier snack out of it by adding some fruit as well.

Energy bars

As quick wake me uppers go, energy bars are a great option. There are so many brands in the market, so inspect the labels well. Go for the low sugar, high fiber ones.

Frozen yoghurt

If you have a weakness for ice cream, substitute it with frozen yoghurt, which is quite as good but healthier. Its lower in calories and just has enough fat and sugar to keep you going throughout the day.

Peanut butter and celery

It’s a popular kids’ snack, but you can enjoy it, too. Not only does it taste good – and bring back good old memories – but it gives you energy.

Carrots and hummus

Another veggie-dip combo, carrots and hummus is a tasty snack that will fill and wake you up. You can even substitute carrots for other vegetables like sliced bell pepper and celery.

Also read: How to Stay Awake at Work When You Are Really Tired

Originally posted on January 28, 2015 @ 8:30 am