Consuming Calmness

Happy Mental Matters Monday everyone!

I have been researching how food and diet can affect one's mental state. When looking at the quality of your diet, consider both foods to eat more of and those to limit. Observational studies show that healthy eating patterns that include plenty of nutrient-rich plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon and flax seeds, are associated with decreased risk of depression and anxiety.

I have been trying new foods and recipes using foods that help combat depression and anxiety and I want to share a smoothie in particular that I've tried and it's benefits.

It's called the Anti-Anxiety Smoothie (Found on Pinterest )

ANTI-ANXIETY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup spinach
1 banana
1/4 cup frozen blueberries (you could even do a berry mix if you want!)
1/4 cup frozen peaches
1 tbsp flax seed
1/2 to 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute ( I used Vanilla! )

If yogurt is not your speed, try almond milk.  I've tried it with almond milk and it was just as good.  It was more "liquidy" than smoothie texture, but still very tasty.

Also, if your allergic to spinach, it's okay! You can take that out as well!

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place ingredients in blender starting with softest to hardest
2. Blend up until smooth
3. Add more yogurt if smoothie does not have the liquid texture of your liking
4. Drink and be calm

spinach: contains cortisol regulating magnesium
bananas: contain tryptophan (helps boost seratonin), vitamin B, and is a natural beta-blocker
blueberries: contain vitamin C and antioxidants that help protect and repair cells damaged by anxiety
peaches: considered a natural sedative
flax seed: contains omega-3 for healthy nerves
yogurt: contains probiotics which are linked to a healthy digestive system

I found this great recipe on Pinterest via www.callherhappy.com/

I will be sharing more foods and recipes as Mental Matters Mondays continues! If you try this smoothie, let me know, I'd love to hear about it!  Try it for a solid week!