Feeling Your Food

When I was in India, I got used to eating with my hands.  I preferred it, because I liked to feel my food... what I didn't realize was how much I had been already feeling my food in my mood.  They say you are what you eat, and if that's true... which I think it is... most people are probably not what they've been told.  While they eat what they are told is light, and enriched with vitamins... they somehow still feel sluggish and heavy... and in reality are eating more high fructose corn syrup and unnecessary additives than they realize.  High fructose corn syrup = bad mood... among other things... but you don't have to take my word for it, here's a great article on the effects of this cheap corn bi product:
http://www.princeton.edu/main/news/archive/S26/91/22K07/
It's easy in this modern age of convenience to forget that for thousands of years everything we needed to survive was provided by the earth, with no need to be processed by a factory... However real food now is somehow a revolution... and often hard to find, yet drugs and sugar are everywhere... makes ya wonder!

I've been eating mostly raw, organic, whole foods... and I can feel the difference.  I feel more alive, aware and connected... I feel my food!!  I've kind of been experimenting with eating the food I want to feel, and it's pretty amazing how terrific this stuff works...  as the saying goes, "as within, so without."  Yes, it seems a bit pricey at first, but think of all the money you'll save on Starbucks, extra snacks, and even medicine since your immune system will be working so great!!  Plus, once you have everything, it is about the cost of a Starbucks a day, and a much better investment for your body!!  You can try for yourself, and I have a great smoothie recipe that's tasty AND will leave you feeling great... just like everything in it!!  I love it in the mornings and it keeps me full and energized, with a big smile on my way out the door : )

Rise and Shining Smoothie (energy and mood enhancing)

*1 apple- they weren't kidding when they said an apple a day keeps the doctor away... this favorite of teachers is packed full of antioxidants including vitamin C and quercetin, which boost the body's immune defences. Pectin, the soluble fiber found in apples, helps relieve constipation and lowers levels of bad cholesterol... an apple is also a better source of energy in the morning than a cup of coffee!

*1 cup coconut water- this amazing liquid has the five essential electrolytes your body needs to keep nerves firing, muscles moving and to help manage stress...it has more potassium than a banana, and keeps kidneys clean and improves alkaline balance... not to mention it hydrates you quickly so you feel refreshed... plus anything tropical always makes me feel a little exotic: )

*1/2 cup almond milk- There's protein, fiber, B vitamins, calcium, zinc and iron... not to mention a dose of vitamin E to protect our skin and keep a healthy glow... it also contains no cholesterol or lactose to weigh you down.

*1 banana- so we know there's potassium, but also fiber, vitamin C and they contain all the 8 amino-acids our body cannot produce itself... if you're still not a fan, go for half!!

*1 tablespoon bee pollen- where do I begin... this has been called the perfect food... it contains more than 96 different nutrients, including every single nutrient that is needed to sustain human life!! Plus, it is made up of 40% protein and combines 22 amino acids, vitamin C, B-complex and folic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, enzymes, and carotene... in addition, it reliefs discomfort from PMS, prevents prostate problems,  boosts the immune system, detoxifies your body, alleviates allergies, improves endurance, strength and mental clarity, promotes weight loss: the rate at which your body burns fat, reduces cravings, regulates your mood and helps control stress in your life... Need I say more?!

*1 handful of walnuts- this nut has the perfect combo of omega 3 and 6 which is essential for them to be the most beneficial for you.  These omega's help with mood, brain function, lowering cholesterol and pain and inflammation... so basically, they help you feel good.

*1 cup frozen strawberries- these pretty red berries have the ability to remove harmful toxins in the blood... also recommended for sluggish liver, gout, rheumatism, constipation, high blood pressure, catarrh and even skin cancer... plus they add a nice texture and flavor to boot!

*3 tablespoons hemp powder (you can find this at your local health food store or order below) - Hemp seeds are praised for having the highest quality of protein and it's all natural and easy to digest. Hempseeds are the only seeds that don't need to be germinized for better absorption...their fats are a vegan alternative to fish oils which boost our immune systems, improve our memory, and make us feel warmer in cold climates... which I sure could've used in Chicago : )

*1 small handful of Cacao Nibs-  Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far, which help reduce blood clotting, improve circulation, help regulate heartbeat and blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks... it also increases neurotransmitters in our brains, which promotes positive outlook, facilitates rejuvenation and simply helps us feel good. Also, substances found in cacao are known to help reduce appetite, which help you make it to lunch without dipping in the candy jar: )

Just blend and feel your food turn into a good mood : )  Play around with the ingredients as you like, and feel free to add other great boosters such as: maca, goji berries, raw honey, lucuma, camu camu, yacon, chia or whatever else you find as you explore what you want to feel in your food!  Prepare to be amazed...Cheers!!

Here's some of the things I use in case you can't find them nearby : )









 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Today's Silver Lining:

"Meet me in the crowd, People, people, Throw your love around, Love me, love me, Take it into town,
Happy, happy, put it in the ground, where the flowers grow... Gold and silver shine."  Shiny Happy People- by R.E.M.