Happy! Happy! Happy!

happy familyFoods to increase your energy and mood!

What we put into our mouths will make or break your smile on the happiness scale. Healthy diets not only have a tremendous effect on our bodies long-term, they also do short-term. Healthy foods can not only cure diabetes, obesity and heart disease, they can also increase energy and make you feel good throughout the day.

Ever notice after you eat a lot of junk foods, or even a lot of wheat, you feel tired, bloated and uncomfortable? Some even have reported that they become cranky after consuming these foods. Well, just the opposite is true when you eat healthy foods. Here are a few that will help you be “Happy! Happy! Happy!” (or for all my Duck Dynasty fans – Hap-Pay! Hap-Pay! Hap-Pay!)

Eggs
These little protein wonders are not just great for detoxing, they also help your memory. A recent study at the Boston University School of Medicine showed those who ate eggs did better on memory tests than those who didn’t. Now, there is a great reason to whip up some eggs for your students every morning!

Berries
These superfoods help the brain stay alert and guard it from the natural aging process which can give you a slower thought process.

Apples
You’ve heard the saying, “An apple a day…” well it does more than keep the doctor away – they contain antioxidants, help you burn fat and trigger feel-good brain chemicals.

Spinach
A great source of iron which will help deliver energy-sustaining oxygen to your body’s cells. Add it to your protein shakes, mix in a salad, or saute in MCT or coconut oil for even more energy increasing powers.

Quinoa
White rice and bread can cause blood sugar crashes that leave you tired and dragging. Quinoa is a complex carb that gives off a steady stream of energy. It’s a plant-based food that contains all of the essential amino acids. For a tasty side dish, try my Spanish Rice – one of my most requested recipes!

Walnuts
One of the richest sources of serotonin – the chemical in your head that helps create a calm and happy feeling. Have at least 1 oz daily.

Salmon
Long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids are so important to your daily diets. (Read More) People have reported a decrease in irritability, worrying and depressed feelings when regularly consuming omega 3 foods or take a supplement.

These are just a few healthy foods that are excellent choices for a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you sign up for our email updates so you don’t miss out on other health tips and delicious healthy recipes. You will find the sign up on the right column under “Subscribe for Healthy Updates”.