Vitamins and nutrients — we often don’t get the optimal amounts. Some vitamins help the mind operate at it’s best level, some vitamins help the body perform at the top of its capabilities and then there are vitamins that do something in between.
Nutritionists and dieticians agree the best way to give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs is through integrating the right foods into your diet, not by taking a supplement in pill form. Here are a few foods that contain the right vitamins for a healthy soul.
Fatty Fish – If you enjoy the taste of protein from the sea, fatty fish can be an incredibly important part of a balanced diet. Fish contains selenium and is high in omega-3 fatty acids, compounds that help our brain and nervous system function properly. Fatty fishes like sardines, salmon, and trout help keep our memories sharp, our bodies prepared to ward off infection and our reflexes as fast as they can be. Salmon is easy to mix into your diet and can be enjoyed as a savory part of nearly any meal, going well with salads, on bagels, as an entree, over pasta or a number of other ways.
Avocado – Avocado is undeniably a big deal right now. The guacpacalypse is upon us which means that finding avocados has become easier in your average supermarket and the internet has exploded with recipes that integrate the fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) into delicious meals. These green single-seeded berries are superfoods but are also extremely high in the vitamins B5 and B6. B5 and B6 are very special nutrients that fight fatigue and depression, helping you be your most alert, best self.
Oatmeal – That breakfast food typically reserved for cold mornings has more going for it than previously thought. Aside from being high both fiber and flavor, Oatmeal encourages serotonin levels, one of the main “happy” chemicals your brain relies upon to make you feel great. If you’re looking to take advantage of the benefits of this breakfast food, make sure to stay away from any over-processed or instant varieties.
Chocolate – What’s better for your soul than a joyous, calming bite of chocolate? Dark chocolate (at least 75% cacao) has been written about to show some promise as a healthy part of a diet when taken in small quantities. But dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the brain, reducing the levels of stress you feel and the effects of stress on the body.
*Hugs – You can’t buy these on store shelves or order them online, but a hug can be beneficial to your mood and your health. Hugging a person is shown to increase oxytocin and serotonin levels in the brain, those are “happy” chemicals that make us feel better and perform better. Take one (or several) before, after or without a meal.
Looking for a recipe idea to use one of these ingredients in? Check out some Positivities.com recipe videos!