The Food & Mood Connection

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In our on-th-go world, healthy eating can often feel like it's adding stress.  However, a diet heavy in pre- packaged foods, sugar and caffeine to keep us going increases the body's inflammatory response to stress, exacerbating the anxiety associated with a hectic life.  Much has been written about this "Brain-Gut" connection.  In other words, you truly "are what you eat", as the foods you eat influence how you feel.  So what should you reach for as you run out the door? At the January Collective Wellness Community Event Dr. Beth Atlas gave several several suggestions of foods that can help manage anxiety and also improve overall health  Those foods include "eating the rainbow", especially:

• ​Magnesium-rich foods (avocados, nuts, spinach, swiss chard)
• B-vitamin-rich foods (Green leafy vegetables, wild salmon, organic grass feed meat)
• Healthy fats (Nuts, seeds, Olive Oil)
• Foods high in antioxidants (berries, green tea, fruits & vegetables)
• Dark Chocolate 
• Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts 

Beth has posted several nutritious recipes on her website, and her food is always a hit.  Check them out!

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