Food for thought
Myisha Nawar
Mother Nature has packed some filling foods and drinks with naturally beneficial ingredients to enhance our mental health.
1. Drink Tea. Black, green and oolong teas contain flavonoids. Drink black tea in the morning for the extra mental lift due to the caffeine hit and then switch to green or oolong tea in the afternoon.
2. Eat citrus fruits. The citrus family, grapefruits, oranges and lemons, are flavonoid superstars. Opt for unsweetened juice for breakfast.
3. Add some poultry to your diet. Animal proteins, including turkey and eggs, provide the amino acid tryptophan which can help boost mood and diminish irritability.
4. Incorporate dairy into your diet. Food containing calcium, vitamin D, whey protein and a host of other nutrients help reduce fatigue and promote feelings of well being. Drink a glass of milk after dinner, add a cup of yogurt to lunch and snack on some cheese everyday.
5. Replace animal oils with plant based cooking oils. Olive oil, sunflower oil and cider vinegar are naturally packed with omega 3s. Try substituting butter or mayonnaise based salad dressings with these oils.
6. Snack on nuts. Walnuts, brazil nuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews and many other nuts contain loads of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that mark them as a powerhouse snack for maintaining health. These diet beauties are also rich in minerals that can relieve insomnia and promote a stable mood. So go ahead. Add them to salads or combine them with cherries and give your brain something healthy to munch on.