Drugless Feel-Goods

We all want to feel well, or as most Americans would say it, "I want to feel good." No matter the grammatical correctness of the statement, the point is we all desire to feel better. So, I have done a little research to point you in the right direction. It's drugless "feel good." I didn't know I liked asparagus until I became an adult. I LOVE IT! These long green stalks are excellent plant-based sources of tryptophan, which increases serotonin levels. Serotonin regulates brain functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. Low levels of serotonin can cause anxiety, depression or moodiness. So, if you’re feeling “not like yourself” grill, steam or sauté some asparagus into your next meal. Fruits and veggies contain vitamin B and B's and are responsible for mood and increased energy levels. There are a wide variety of B vitamins in produce: B2 is found in spinach and mushrooms, B3 is in avocados, B6 is in bananas, B9 is in broccoli, to name a few. Antioxidants keep cells healthy and ward off disease. A healthy body is a happy body. Did you know Salmon, sardines, tuna and shrimp all contain omega-3s? Our bodies don’t make omega-3 fatty acids on their own, so it’s important we get them from foods. They help raise serotonin levels, the HAPPY brain chemical. Dopamine levels also increase with omega–3’s. The brain releases dopamine in times of excitement or pleasure. Seafood is on my menu weekly. Why wouldn't it be when "happy" is a benefit of eating the little rascals. When I learned not to heat olive oil to high temps, I began searching for an alternative. I found coconut oil to be an excellent replacement and was thrilled to learn its Medium chain triglycerides (MCT oils) provide a quality source of energy that’s utilized immediately rather than being stored as fat. No stored fat used as energy. I'm in. No matter how well you eat, there will always be days when you just need a pick me up. Most of us turn to caffeine and it's no surprise because caffeine increases alertness. When you feel sluggish or unmotivated to head to the gym, sip some green tea, which has many health benefits due to its antioxidants or a cup of black coffee, which will give you a boost. It will add a little zip to your step. Be careful not to over do the caffeine as it can also have a “crashing” side effect. We're told to avoid carbs by so many fitness gurus but why would we when carbs increase mood and feelings of well-being in the cold winter months. Enjoy some toast and jam with tea or coffee as an afternoon snack or with your eggs for breakfast. Enjoy a bowl of oats or some high-protein pasta. Capitalize on the slow-digesting eats -- sweet potatoes, oats, brown rice, and whole grain

pasta -- that will keep you moving strongly for hours. The key to carbs is moderation. If my husband isn't careful, his sugar comes crashing mid-afternoon. We discovered quinoa to be beneficial. Not only is it a complex carb, but it’s also a complete protein. It’ll keep your blood sugar levels in check and help you avoid the dips, which can cause irritability, moodiness, and low energy. It’s also gluten-free should you have allergies to other complex carbs. Quinoa is even better when paired with vegetables to add even more mood-boosting antioxidants and vitamins. These foods are just a tip of the iceberg in your quest to feel "good." Your wellness does not have to be dependent on drugs. There are drugless feel goods.