10 Feel Good Foods

We are what we eat or so the saying goes. So if our goal is to have our body, mind, and spirit in balance than we have make sure our bodies are getting the food they need to be at their best.

I believe that diet can play a big part in how we feel about ourselves and even our moods.

Most foods in the western diet are heavily processed and promote unhealthy stress on our bodies as they are being digested. This promotes fatigue, lack of motivation, and weight gain. Below is a list of foods that I believe can help you to feel better.

1. Water

This is the simplest way to start eating healthier. Drink mostly water. Cut out the sodas, the juices, flavored water and other sweet beverages. I recommend even getting a water filter and drinking it from the tap. The bottled water is stored in plastic which can leach chemicals into the water. Drinking water will promote hydration, weight loss, clearer skin, and healthier kidneys.

2. Coffee or Tea

The exception to the water rule in moderation, is coffee or tea. Recent studies have shown that the antioxidants in coffee and tea are quite beneficial. Caffeine in reasonable amounts promotes a positive mood.

3. Avocado

Perhaps the perfect food and best multivitamin in natural form. This green power house is packed with nutrients and beneficial fats. An avocado contains approximately 15% of fat, most of which is monounsaturated fat. Avocados also have 60% more potassium than bananas. They are rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K. They have the highest fiber content of any fruit – including 75% insoluble and 25% soluble fiber.

4. Dark Berries

The darker the berry the better. Blue berries, black berries, and black raspberries are full of antioxidants.

5. Fresh Fish

This is a great source of protein and full of Omega 3 fatty acids which are crucial for a healthy heart, skin, and joints as well as brain function. There is much debate about fish sources, but I think farmed raised might be the best option considering the overfishing of our oceans that’s becoming problematic.

6. Rice

Perhaps the perfect carbohydrate. It digests easily and provides energy for your body. Cultures that tend to eat a lot of rice have shown to be healthier.

7. Kiwi Fruit

Oranges are good, but kiwi fruit is better. Did you know that kiwi fruit contains almost twice the vitamin C of an orange plus many other valuable nutrients.

8.  Whole Grains

Go for whole grain breads and pastas instead of the processed variety. They are more nutritious and full of fiber.

9. Garlic

Include lots of fresh garlic in your cooking. It has heart healthy and immune healthy properties.

10. It it comes frozen or from a box and you have to add water avoid it.

I know they’re quick and convenient, but have you looked at the back of the box and tried to say all the ingredients that are in those handy meals?  Imagine what your body must go through trying to decide what to do with all those chemicals as well.

Here’s to a healthier, happier you!