Food for Thought

Challenging day ahead? Eat to boost energy, reduce stress

 We have all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” But have you ever thought about how what you eat affects your performance as you go about daily life?

Many people are discovering the benefits of a more organic, alkaline, vegetarian and balanced diet with reduced sugar and wheat. Aside from athletes, however, few of us stop to think about the specific “fuel” we put in our bodies before big events.

Being mindful of what you eat can help you prepare for whatever challenges you face, whether it is a mentally demanding business meeting or a parent-teacher conference, says world-renowned naturopath and energy psychologist, Her Holiness Sai Maa.

Certified in Naturopathic, Homeopathic and Osteopathic therapies in France, Maa holds a Ph.D. in Spirituality from the Open International University. Below she shares her best food choices for optimal brain and body performance. Remember to use organic ingredients where possible.

 Business meetings: Eat for focus, groundedness.

Before a business meeting, try a good greens smoothie for balanced energy for the body and optimal alertness for the brain.

• 1 cup fresh apple juice as a base, add 2 celery stalks, 1/3 cucumber, a handful of dark greens (kale or chard), a handful of cilantro, ½ peeled lemon, 1 apple, a tbsp. of a balanced omega 3/6/9 blend (such as Udo’s.) Blend in a high speed blender (Vitamix is best).

 For dates and relationships, think warm!

A hot chocolate drink before a date warms the heart, or try this recipe:

• Heat (not boil) a cup of fresh almond milk with 2 tbsp of raw cacao powder, a pinch of fresh vanilla bean, a teaspoon of coconut oil and some agave nectar to taste. Blend well in Vitamix.

 Parent/teacher or student/teacher meetings:

Sai Maa recommends a very berry smoothie, high in antioxidants and vitamin C, for a drink loved by parents and children alike.

• 1 cup of berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries…what ever you like, but organic is best), 1 apple, ½ squeezed lemon, fresh almond milk or oat milk. Kefir is a good alternative also. Blend well in Vitamix. A scoop of whey protein can also be blended in at the end.

 Before writing or other creative ventures:

Got a juicer? Try mixing your own to get the creative juices flowing:

• 2 stalks of celery, ½ cucumber, 2 apples, 2 carrots, 2 cups of baby spinach (or other dark, leafy greens), 1 lemon (peeled) and a piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch or to taste).

 After a workout or other athletic activity:

After exercise, try a good protein shake to replenish and support building the body, or fresh coconut water to rehydrate the body in a powerful way.

• 1 cup of almond milk (or fresh kefir), an apple, 2 scoops of good quality pure whey protein powder. Blend in Vitamix.
• Take the water of a fresh young coconut, with the inside of the coconut scrapped off, and blend thoroughly in a Vitamix with a teaspoon of Udo’s balanced omega 3/6/9 blend. Blend in some fresh pineapple. This recipe is great for fighting inflammation.