Foods for Moods

Studies have shown that different foods have vastly different affects on your mental sharpness, stress levels and anxiety levels. Whatever your negative situation, there is a food that can counteract it.

Relax
Despite all the negative publicity surrounding carbohydrates, they do serve an important purpose in all diets and should not be avoided completely. Carbs are best when you need to relax and calm down. Some suggestions include oatmeal with a touch of brown sugar or a baked potato with salsa.

Fight Drowsiness
If you suffer from a mid-day slump, include protein-rich foods in your diet, such as cottage cheese, beans, lentils, legumes, low-fat yogurt, hard-boiled eggs and tuna or other types of fish.

Keep Your Cool
If you’re preparing for a stressful event, such as a presentation, don’t eat anything three-and-a-half before the event. Then, 30 minutes prior to the event, eat up to 30 grams of a starchy carbohydrate, such as two slices of toast with jam, an English muffin or a six-ounce potato.

Want to Know More?
Check out these healthy resources.
> Listen to FM 107.1 Saturdays from noon to 1 p.m. Kvist hosts a radio show titled “Dishing up Nutrition.” 
> Visit Chere Bork’s Web site at Cherebork.com for tips and articles on healthy living.
> Visit Weightandwellness.com to learn about upcoming wellness classes.
 

Suzy Feine is an Elko-based freelance writer.