There is considerable evidence that suggests that food not only has a direct impact on physical health, but also has an impact on mood, energy levels, focus, memory and mental health. Generally speaking, eating a “clean” diet or foods with minimal or no additives, preservatives, or chemicals can help to improve overall physical and mental health. And while choosing healthier foods with cleaner ingredients is a great start, becoming informed about how specific foods and food combinations impact you as an individual is an important part of achieving a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Getting to know the foods, supplements and habits that help to meet your physical and emotional needs as well as understanding how foods can impact and even treat specific ailments or concerns is a key component in improving mental health and wellness. For example, if you are someone who suffers from anxiety, avoiding foods and beverages that contain high amounts of refined sugars, alcohol, white flour or caffeine can help to reduce symptoms. Similarly, incorporating foods and/or supplements like blueberries, oats, almonds, spinach, whole grains (which contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps to calm the nervous system), *Cannabidiol (more commonly referred to as CBD) can also help to eliminate or decrease those same bothersome symptoms.
We’re almost certain you’ve heard of CBD by now-It feels like EVERYONE is talking about it. CBD has recently been gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, and for good reason, too-The benefits are seemingly endless. Cannabidiol or CBD is derived from the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, meaning there are NO psychoactive effects. It won’t get you high like THC will, but it will definitely chill you out. In addition to making nutritional adjustments and being mindful of how certain foods impact your mind and your body, if you suffer from anxiety or chronic stress, adding CBD to your daily routine can help. CBD can be consumed sublingually (meaning absorbed under the tongue), topically (in creams, lotions and balms), by adding CBD oils, salts and raw sugars to foods like smoothies or oatmeal…AND COOKIES:
CBD Peanut Butter Paleo Cookies
Recipe:
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup salted peanut or almond butter (go for the “minimalist label”, containing JUST dry roasted peanuts/almonds and salt)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup Manuka honey (Manuka can be pricey, regular honey will do just fine too)
1 large egg (2 egg whites if you’re skipping the yolk)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl combine the flour and baking soda, mix together. Add nut butter, honey, vanilla, and the egg to the dry ingredients. Scoop the batter onto a cookie sheet. Cook 8 minutes.
*CBD products are available over the counter and without prescription. Consult your healthcare provider before consuming any new supplements to ensure you are consuming quality products that are the right fit for you and your individual needs.
