A plant based diet comes with a multitude of flavorful health benefits and little to worry about.
Food For Thought? Nutrition for mental health…
Think of food as the foundation to getting us back to where our mind and body naturally wants to be. I like to call it good mood food…
It wasn’t that long ago, if someone dared to share that what we eat connects to how we feel, we might have been labeled one of those new age people. A new field of psychiatry is showing some exciting links between what we eat and our mental health. Thank goodness science has caught up with the divine wisdom of nature.
Did you know that eating certain foods like refined processed carbohydrates such as white bread and sugary foods can zap your energy and give you brain fog?
~ In addition to adding on some extra pounds.
Let’s clear up the carb confusion. Some trends suggest that carbs are the enemy. I disagree, at least a little. I admit I do pay attention to my carb intake. However, If you are eating whole foods, picked at the right time, grown in a healthy environment, you don’t have to obsess about it. For example: complex carbs like whole starchy vegetables, and grains are a healthy source of carbohydrates, and gut loving fiber, and have a host of health promoting nutrients for the mind.
I can not hide how happy it makes me to cook and eat with the seasons, knowing my body is getting exactly what it needs, and when it needs it. The biggest joy for me is to explore and share the delicious pairings of seasonal ingredients with friends and folks like you.
Oftentimes, there are very small windows to create with a seasonal ingredient. Asparagus and English peas come to mind. Which has me thinking of one of those perfect pairs to cook a delicious Spring Minestrone.
So Go Cook! Make something that nurtures you and the people around you, with the intent to inspire and nourish your soul. Explore, laugh, daydream, visualize a beautiful day, and remember to take notes… Journaling is a wonderful way to inspire new ideas, especially when the fog is lifted.
The key thing to remember when embarking on a health journey is to be patient with yourself, as your body needs time to physically adjust to the changes in your diet as well as maintain this new healthy habit.
To get you started, here are some perfect pairings that will decongest the body, balance the gut flora, and feed it delectable important nutrients that increase energy, therefore increasing the quality of your life. Who doesn’t want that?
Foods to boost daily energy ~
Grilled Radishes with Herbed Yogurt (a beneficial probiotic for the gut)
Steamed Salmon over English Pea Puree, with Tarragon Lemon Clarified Butter
Market Minestrone
To your good health ~ If you are a curious cook, join me on my Podcast ~ A taste for All Seasons ~
It is a cooking, cultural, and inspirational way for us to explore the world of food. And… as always, l will share a seasonal recipe, cooking tips, and kitchen essentials that will inspire you in the kitchen. All recipes at laurierichardone.com
You can listen to all the shows, on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast. We talk to local farmers, and wellness experts, where you can learn how to cook your way through the seasons.
Laurie Richardone is a seasonal gluten free chef and certified health coach.
To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com