Dr. Axe

Mood Foods

Posted on by Female IQ

(“Mood Foods” audio version)

Raise your hand if you have ever had a bad day (or days) and said, “I deserve to eat [fill in the blank] or drink [fill in the blank].” Typically, whatever you filled in the blank actually negatively impacts you, especially your mood. With sugar and alcohol, most of us experience a “let down” and, if consumed in the evening, might also disrupt our sleep. With high fat foods, most of us subsequently suffer from indigestion or guilt.

Chew on this. There are actually foods out there that can improve your mood. Thanks to one of my favorite health advocates Dr. Axe, here’s a list of the top “turn the beat around” treats:

  • Avocados. Natural hormone balancers, avocados ensure your brain is making the right chemicals needed for keeping it feeling great. Plus, these green goodies help with digestion and are a healthy source of fat.
  • Grapes. Packed with antioxidants, especially flavonoids, grapes provide all the benefits of wine minus the alcohol.
  • Shiitake mushrooms. Aside from the fact that “shiitake” is a fun word to say and a great alternative to the “S” bomb, these Asian mushrooms are like a ninja punch of nutrients to our gut and packed with vitamin B6.
  • Raw nuts. In addition to providing healthy fat to our diet, nuts are full of serotonin, a feel-good chemical that’s in short supply when you’re depressed.
  • Salmon. This excellent source of protein is teeming with mood-stabilizing essential fatty acids and, most importantly B12, which has be reported to fight depression.
  • Sesame seeds. These little seeds are big into to providing us with tyrosine, an amino acid that boosts the brain’s dopamine levels, kicking the feel-good hormone into high gear, while balancing out other hormones.
  • Strawberries. Bright and vibrant, strawberries contain vitamins A and C and manganese which help happy chemicals in your brain.

—Becca Edwards, founder of Female IQ

A Celery Juice Concoction

The Skinny on Celery Juice

Posted on by Female IQ

(“The Skinny on Celery Juice” audio version)

I try to never go bananas over new health crazes—or any crazes, really. However, after hearing all the hype about celery juice, I decided to give it a go about a year ago.

Over time, I developed my own celery juice concoction with cilantro, ginger, apples and lemons (and pre-made beet juice for post workouts). It has become an integral part of my morning ritual (along with a small glass of kombucha and cup of matcha green tea) and is something I recommend to my wellness clients. Here’s what you need to know:

Celery Provides 10 Essential Nutrients

  1. Vitamin K
  2. Vitamin C
  3. Folate
  4. Manganese
  5. Calcium
  6. Riboflavin
  7. Magnesium
  8. Vitamin B6
  9. Water
  10. Electrolytes

Top 10 Health Benefits of Celery (Dr. Axe)

  1. Helps lower high cholesterol.
  2. Lowers inflammation.
  3. Prevents or treats high blood pressure.
  4. Helps prevent ulcers.
  5. Protects liver health.
  6. Benefits weight loss.
  7. Boosts digestion and reduces bloating.
  8. Contains antimicrobial properties that fight infections.
  9. Helps prevent urinary tract infections.
  10. May help protect from cancer.

Try This:

Step 1: Healthy living is best achieved when we plan ahead. Juicing every morning is unrealistic for many of us so try making a batch instead. To make my celery juice concoction, juice one bag of organic celery stalks, one bunch of organic cilantro, one nub of ginger root, one lemon and two organic apples. Pour the mixture into three 6-ounce mason jars. (Yes, juice over time loses some of its nutrients, but again we are saving time.)

Step 2: Each morning, on an empty stomach, drink the celery concoction and wait an hour before eating or drinking anything else.

Step 3: Follow up with your favorite energizing drink like green tea or coffee with ghee.

—Becca Edwards, founder of Female IQ