What the Heck do I Eat?

Foods to Add for Healthier Body and Mind

Sometimes anxiety can come from the foods we eat or don’t eat. WHAT?

Yes, sometimes there are foods which can create feelings of anxiety in our bodies. When our bodies disagree with a food or substance in the gut it sends a signal to the brain of danger. Our minds then interpret this signal as stress, or panic, or just… generalized anxiety. Often this means some foods need to be eliminated for a time or reduced in order to reduce the stress in the gut- which is translating to stress in the brain. So people are often left wondering what they should eat.

There are also nutrients which, when depleted by stress or lack of intake, can create disrupted functioning in the brain and nervous system. This can cause brain fog, disordered thinking, further disordered eating patterns, and feelings of generalized anxiety and depression. It’s probably just one thing in the list of causes of any one person’s experience of anxiety, but remember each 5% of nerves you can calm builds on itself to a bigger capacity to relax and regulate.

So here are some foods to consider adding to the diet. It’s a basic list. It is by no means comprehensive. It is also not vegetarian or vegan. I trust you are able to decide for yourself, according to your beliefs, whether or not to consume meat and animal products.

HEALTHY FATS-

Healthy fats are a main building block of nervous system tissues. They are also a very important energy source for the body and mind. Deficiency in these healthy fats can cause fatigue as well as disruption of healthy nerve signals and brain function.

Ideal Fats for Cooking - Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Organic Butter, Peanut Oil, Organic Animal Fats

Ideal Fats for Salads- Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, Avocado Oil, Walnut and Pecan Oil

Ideal Fat Foods- Avocado, Nuts, Seeds, Pasture Raised Eggs, Coconut

PROTEINS-

Proteins are the tissue building blocks of the body and are an energy source for the whole body including the nervous system. Lack of fuel can lead to hangxiety.

Ideal- Pasture Raised Eggs, Fish (wild caught is healthiest, but caution, this is sometimes not a sustainable practice)

Also helpful- Pasture raised Organ Meats, Bison, Buffalo, Beef, Pork, Chicken (Only pasture raised will help fight inflammation)

VEGETABLES- Above Ground

All vegetables that grow above ground feed your body and mind. These are especially nutrient dense ones to reduce anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

Dark Leafy Greens like: Spinach, Dandelion, Turnip Greens, Spring Salad Greens, Kelp, Watercress,

Cruciferous: Kale, Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts

Sea and Water Vegetables: Kelp, Nori, Seaweeds, watercress.

VEGETABLES- Below Ground

All vegetables that grow below ground EXCEPT POTATOES keep things moving smoothly and help to transport waste out of the body. They also contain calming minerals key to nervous system regulation.

Ideal- Beets, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Radish, Parsnips, onion, garlic.

IDEAL FRUITS

Rich in vitamins and minerals, these are fuel and tools to reduce inflammation and support nervous system tissues. Watch your serving size!

Low Sugar- Serving size 1 cup - all Colorful Berries

Anti-inflammatory and Support Digestion - Serving size 1/2 cup - Pineapple, Papaya, Mango

Helpful Fats - Unlimited - Avocado and Olives

Obligatory Disclaimer: I am a licensed medical professional. I am not a licensed physician, councilor, or psychologist. It is recommended you check with your health care professional or get a personalized consultation with ahh Wellness before starting any new supplements, diet changes, exercise programs, and definately before changing any medications. You are responsible for your health. This is not medical advice.