Hello Stand In Lovers!
How was your week of Mental Fitness? Anyone try Linda’s Tiny Habit suggestions from last week’s post? SO many nuggets of goodness in that video interview! Today we are diving into the topic of Food & Nutrition, the 3rd pillar in our 6-part series on Brain Health.
It’s important to remember there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to how and what we should or should not eat. What we do know is that by integrating plant-based, whole foods into our daily routines, we are practicing Hippocrates’ sage advice, “Let food be thy medicine.”
Primary Nutrition
According to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, it is vital to look at the full spectrum of our lives, outlined in the color wheel below. Take a look at each area and see where you may be hungry for something deeper than you are currently experiencing.
How to make your Circle of Life
Place a dot on the line separating each section on the wheel to see how satisfied you are with each area of your life. The closer the dot is to the center of the wheel, the more dissatisfied you may be in that particular area. Dots closer to the outside circumference of the wheel suggest you are more satisfied in that category. After you have placed a dot on each of the lines dividing the areas, connect your dots and see what your Circle of Life looks like. Perhaps a couple of areas are super awesome, while others may need a little TLC. That’s perfectly ok… our lives are in constant change, and there is no right or wrong here, just insight.
Nutrition for Brain Health
Along with the Primary Food listed above, let’s take a look at some key foods noted for their support in brain health and function.
What To Eat
- Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach– Try this green smoothie recipe with a touch of Wild Orange essential oil! It’s fast, healthy, and SO delicious!
- Dark-fleshed fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with polyphenols– antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
- Sustainably sourced fresh fish rich in Omega 3’s like salmon, tuna, or halibut.
- Walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybean are great alternatives for Omega 3 fatty acids if fish isn’t your thing. Another great option is supplementing to ensure you get the required amounts. Here’s a fantastic Raw Coco Bite recipe with walnuts and Wild Orange.
- Whole grains such such as oats, barley, and quinoa, are rich in many of the B vitamins that work to reduce inflammation of the brain.
- Avocado– try this amazing Lazy Avocado Sushi with Ginger recipe or replace your butter with avocado on your morning toast for something new! (mental fitness practice at the same time- way to go!)
- Dark chocolate– a great source of antioxidants that potentially improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation. I like to mix a drop of Black Pepper essential oil when making my own for some spicy punch and extra benefits!
Spice Up Your life
- Herbs and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger are packed with antioxidants that may help decrease harmful inflammation in the brain and elsewhere. I like using a touch of Ginger essential oil in my herbal tea, and add Cinnamon essential oil to my homemade granola recipe. There are endless ways to incorporate the benefits of doTERRA’s gorgeous CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade) essential oils into your foods for brain health. Here are additional recipe ideas using essential oils!
Hydrate
- Water- This is one of the simplest ways to keep your brain healthy and fluid. Need help drinking more, it’s simple! Try adding a drop of Lemon, Grapefruit, or Wild Orange essential oil to your next bottle (stainless steel or glass due to the volatility of the natural aromatic compounds). I love using Slim & Sassy in my water to help fight off cravings throughout the day.
Tools are designed for use. May these help guide you on your brain health and wellness journey! Stand In Love is a community, and all are welcome to join! Please feel free to share, comment, tag, or like this post, so we may help others on their path to wellness!
P.S. For those of you following me on Instagram @standinlovejen, as promised, here is my favorite breakfast bowl recipe:
Jen’s Breakfast Bowl:
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1 whole egg + 1-2 egg whites scrambled with turmeric
- top with grated purple cabbage and sliced tomato
- drizzle fresh vinaigrette made with herbs and a drop of your favorite essential oil on top!
season with S & P. and ENJOY!
Jennifer Miller is a Las Vegas based writer, DoTERRA wellness advocate, and BeadforLife Community Partner. She is the founder of StandInLove.org ,a platform for sharing her passions: Serving People | Inspiring Ideas | Living Your Purpose
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