TIPS TO FUEL OPTIMISM

Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, author of From Burnout to Balance, founder of Wellness Intelligence™, and nutrition consultant to Icelandic Provisions shares that the foods we choose to eat have a profound impact on our mood and mental health. A balanced diet rich in nutrients can help build the physical and mental resilience needed to maintain an optimistic outlook. Optimism, much like a nutritious diet, isn't just beneficial; it's essential for sustaining our overall well-being. It helps us navigate life's ups and downs by influencing our brain chemistry and stress responses, making it easier to perceive challenges as temporary and manageable.

5 Tips on How to Become More Optimistic through Nutrition:

1. Prioritize Nutrient-Rich Foods: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to get a wide range of nutrients that support brain health.
2. Regular Meal Times: Eating at regular intervals helps to regulate blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings and irritability.
3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can negatively affect your mood and energy levels. Drinking enough water is a simple way to help maintain a positive outlook.
4. Limit Added Sugars and Refined Carbs: High intake of added sugars and refined carbs can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, impacting your mood and energy levels. Focus on whole foods with natural sugars and fibers.
5. Practice Mindful Eating: Being mindful about what and how you eat improves your relationship with food and helps you enjoy meals more thoroughly, contributing to a more optimistic mindset.

5 Foods that Offer Mood-Boosting Benefits:

• Skyr: Contains nutrients for mood and gut support, including calcium, probiotics, and protein. One serving of Low Fat Plain Icelandic Provisions Skyr contains 17 grams of protein, 0 grams of added sugar, and 3 billion probiotics.
• Nuts & Seeds: Pistachios and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of plant-based protein and healthy fats. They also contain magnesium, which can help reduce stress.
• Bell Peppers: Diced roasted red bell pepper add a burst of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and can also help stabilize your mood, and dietary fiber supports the gut-brain connection.
• Fatty Fish: Salmon, trout, and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain health and mood regulation. These fish also provide protein for stable mood, vitamins D and B12 to support serotonin levels, enhancing overall mental well-being and maintaining an optimistic outlook.
• Oats and Oatmeal: Start your day with oats or oatmeal, excellent sources of complex carbohydrates that fuel the brain. They also contain magnesium to help reduce anxiety, B vitamins for stress management and energy, and prebiotics to support gut health.