Boost Your Mood and Energy with These Nutrient-Packed Foods
Are you feeling run down and in need of a pick-me-up? If you’re anything like me, this has been happening far too often, and I want to make sure that what I am putting into my body, has a positive effect on my well-being. The foods we eat can have a huge impact on our mood and energy levels. And as a busy mom, I know how important it is to have sustainable energy and a positive mood to tackle the daily grind. So, in this post, I’m going to break down the foods that have been improving my life, and why getting nutrients through food has been the best way to do it.
The Importance of Nutrients in Improving Mood and Energy
Our bodies require a variety of nutrients to function properly, and when we don’t get enough of these nutrients through our diet, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and low mood. The good news is that by incorporating certain foods into our diet, we can improve our mood and energy levels naturally.
The Power of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are an amazing and underutilized source of nutrients for improving energy, seasonal allergies, insomnia, cancer, the common cold, and inflammation. Different types of mushrooms have different benefits, but some of the most powerful medicinal mushrooms include Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Chaga. These mushrooms contain high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to boost the immune system, improve cognitive function, and even help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Nutrient Depletion in Modern Diets
Unfortunately, our modern diets often fall short in providing us with the nutrients we need. This is partly due to the fact that in the US, our soil is vastly depleted of nutrients, but also due to the fact that many foods are processed and stripped of their natural nutrients. This is why it’s important to be mindful of the foods we’re consuming and to make an effort to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into our diets.
The Importance of Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut, which in turn can have a positive impact on our mood and energy levels. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help to keep the gut microbiome in balance. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed the good bacteria in the gut. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, as well as prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, and bananas, into your diet can help to promote a healthy gut.
Recommendations
Personally, I supplement my self-care routine with nutrient-rich items to support my overall health. This includes B-Complex, Mushroom Powder, Magnesium L-Threonate, Ginkgo Biloba, Korean Red Ginseng, and a combination of walnuts, blueberries, and Brazil nuts. I also alternate between drinking Matcha Tea and Golden Latte by Four Sigmatic.
As a mom of four, I understand the importance of energy and mood, especially when it comes to homeschooling my older boys after a long day of work. My 2-year-old has night terrors from previous home life, my 3-year-old sits up late at night rocking and stimming. These foods and supplements have helped me to maintain a healthy brain and body to be able to handle the daily demands of being a mom and a business owner.
Incorporating nutrient-dense foods into our daily life can have a significant impact on everyday living. Foods like mushrooms, probiotics, and prebiotics, as well as certain supplements, can all help to reduce inflammation, heal our gut biome and improve cognitive performance naturally. So, next time you’re feeling run down, think about what you’re eating and make sure you remember that you are only as good as what you put into your body. And remember, as a busy parent, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your business.
