Image Credit: Becki Yoo for Ali Miller, R.D., L.D., & C.D.E.
There’s a lot of talk these days about being more “mindful” and “present,” and we’re of the belief that improving on those qualities can truly improve your well-being. New research suggests that improving our focus may be as simple as improving our diets. So, we turned to the team at Naturally Nourished in Houston and their “Food As Medicine” approach.
You’re in for a treat: the team has shared their recipes for improving focus and your hormone health, plus a few tips on how to heal your body with food! Scroll for recipes and tips for improving your focus with food!
Like that marvelous Mediterranean Chickpea salad above? Get the recipe here. Chickpeas are a great source of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, folate, and Vitamin A.
Choconana Smoothie
Image Credit: Becki Yoo for Ali Miller, R.D., L.D., & C.D.E.
Focus your attention on this Choconana Smoothie with banana, almond butter, and a dash of cocoa! Miller’s smoothie recipe is low in sugar and packed with protein, while also providing antioxidants. It also contains something called L-theanine, which has been found in small studies to lower anxiety. The result? A calmer, more focused you and a tasty smoothie that will make you look forward to getting up early.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Image Credit: Becki Yoo for Ali Miller, R.D., L.D., & C.D.E.
When it comes to improving your hormone health, seek out foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, flaxseed, walnuts, and chia seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids are said to not only reduce inflammation in the body, but may promote healthy cognitive function. Try this Mediterranean Tuna Salad for a quick and light lunch right on top of a creamy avocado or a bed of mixed greens.
Eggs Benedict with Avocado
Image Credit: Becki Yoo for Ali Miller, R.D., L.D., & C.D.E.
This recipe for Eggs Benedict with Avocado contributes B vitamins and fatty acids that aid to manage stress response and reduce excess cortisol stress hormone, according to Miller. She recommends picking up pasture-raised eggs, which have been found to be more nutritious than caged hens. In one study, pastured hen eggs were found to have twice as many Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids than that of caged eggs.
Sweet Potato Avocado ‘Toast’
Image Credit: Becki Yoo for Ali Miller, R.D., L.D., & C.D.E.
This Sweet Potato Avocado ‘Toast’ is mighty tasty and may help improve your focus, thanks to the anthocyanin compounds in the sweet potatoes. That compound is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and may boost cognitive function, targeting brain and blood vessel health. Focus in on Miller’s recipe — you’ll notice this recipe uses no bread!
Keeping Your Hormones Happy
Image: Chef Monica’s Pan-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Avocado and Mike’s Hot Honey
Here’s a few extra tips from Miller and her team when it comes to balancing your hormones and improving your focus:
- Eat Your Veggies
Eat at least one cup daily of cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sprouts, kale, and broccoli to aid in balancing estrogen. Estrogen (as many women have experienced!) can have an effect on concentration and clarity. - Go Grass-Fed
Stick with grass-fed varieties of dairy and beef products. Grass-fed beef has been found to have more Omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of unhealthy fats, according to a 2010 study by the Nutrition Journal. That study found grass-fed beef tends to offer more Vitamins A and E as well as antioxidants. - Limit Refined Sugar
A 2009 study by the University of Montreal found a link between over-consumption of sugar may have a link to aging and a 2012 study by the University of California, Los Angeles, found a high sugar diet sabotages learning and memory.
Miller and her team are busy preparing Food As Medicine courses for 2018 and will have updates soon on when you can register. For more information on Ali Miller, R.D., L.D., and C.D.E. and her team, visit their website. They’re lots of fun — and absolutely delicious!
Special thanks to Ali Miller and Chef Monica Pope on this feature!
Image: Ali Miller, R.D., L.D., C.D.E., with Chef Monica Pope
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