Feel-good Friday tips #5
Health and wellbeing wisdom to help us all feel less sh*t
Last week I was on holiday in Italy (a much-needed break in which I relaxed, swam, read and spent time with my family) so I missed a week of tips, but I am back this week with some choice morsels for your feel-good picnic.
I am going to focus on consumables to make you feel good this week, as after all, ‘you are what you eat’, and if you consume crap, I believe you’re going to feel crap. Let’s be real: I am often found munching crisps, craving sugary snacks or eating pizza and downing rosé when I feel like I need a lift, however I can truthfully say these things never make me feel great and often they are habitual and driven by fatigue, boredom or lack of imagination. We are all aware that what we eat impacts our mood, our energy levels and our get-up-and-go. The more healthy veg and salad and the less alcohol I consume, the better I feel — it’s just sometimes really hard to do, and especially if I am feeling tired, or a bit low. Don’t beat yourself up, but knowledge is power, so I am starting with a book which demystifies nutrition and explains its impact on our mental health.
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Bon appétit. x
Brain Changer. I recommend this amazing book by Prof Felice Jacka — her work and research focuses closely on the links between diet, gut health, and mental and brain health and Brain Changer: How diet can you save your mental health offers cutting-edge information about nutrition and wellbeing, along with motivation and practical ways to improve your diet. I have started taking a probiotic with an LGG strain to help manage low mood as a result of the intervention studies mentioned in this book (and backed up in other books I have read subsequently). Professor Jacka is a leading researcher in this field, based in Australia, and this is a non-preachy, eye-opening book about the importance of a fibre-rich, balanced, plant-rich diet for your mental wellbeing.
TRIP CBD Oil. A lot has been written about the benefits of CBD oil. I was a bit sceptical, but I have been using this fairly regularly since January this year. It may be a placebo effect — who knows? — but I use it when I am feeling anxious, to calm me down and feel more in control. I read The CBD Bible by Dr Dani Gordon which is full of practical advice about products containing cannabidiol for managing stress, insomnia and other symptoms. I just pop half a pipette of oil under my tongue and let it sit there for a short while, then swallow it. It tastes nice. It calms me down. I think this is an interesting area and this is a natural, non-psychotropic substance (no THC, which is the key ingredient in cannabis which gives you a high), it’s easy to take and not expensive. Worth investigating.
Natoora dips. OMG what a discovery these dips are. Served in recycled glass jars, rather than plastic pots, these fresh dips are available from independent stores and Ocado and Waitrose as far as I can tell, and cost around £4. The hummus with basil & preserved lemon is the best hummus I think I have ever had. The ingredients are top-quality, the glass jar is pleasing, they contain no additives or nasties, and are perfect on top of sourdough toast, as a dip for carrots or crudités or simply straight from the jar with a spoon (don’t tell anyone). Healthy and delicious — a positive snack for mind and body.
Stay well and look after yourself.
Liz x