WANT TO BE IN A GOOD MOOD? EAT HEALTHY FOODS

A number of lifestyle factors can contribute to depression, but one that’s often overlooked is what you put in your mouth. “Diet plays a huge role in depression,” says with Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine.

Do you crave sweet, salty, and fatty foods when you’re feeling blue? You’re not alone. But, says Dr. Calapai “If we eat better foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish, we short-circuit the junk food cravings and have higher energy levels and sharper mental focus.

Vitamin D (sun exposure; fortified breakfast cereals, breads, juices, milk): Vitamin D is required for brain development and function. Deficiency in this “sunshine vitamin” is sometimes associated with depression and other mood disorders.

“Smart” Carbs Can Have a Calming Effect

Carbohydrates are linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin. Experts aren’t sure, but carb cravings sometimes may be related to low serotonin activity.

Choose your carbs wisely. Limit sugary foods and opt for smart or “complex” carbs (such as whole grains) rather than simple carbs (such as cakes and cookies). Fruits, vegetables, and legumes also have healthy carbs and fiber.

Tryptophan (protein sources including turkey, beef, eggs, some dairy products, dark, leafy greens): An amino acid, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. It’s not well understood, but low tryptophan seems to trigger depressive symptoms in some people who have taken antidepressants.

 

Increase your intake of B vitamins

People with either low blood levels of the B-vitamin folic acid, or high blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine (a sign that you are not getting enough B6, B12 or folic acid), are both more likely to be depressed and less likely to get a positive result from anti-depressant drugs. In a study comparing the effects of giving an SSRI with either a placebo or with folic acid, 61% of patients improved on the placebo combination but 93% improved with the addition of folic acid.

 

Boost your serotonin with amino acids

Serotonin is made in the body and brain from an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan is then converted into another amino acid called 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophan can be found in the diet; it’s in many protein rich foods such as meat, fish, beans and eggs. 5-HTP is found in high levels in the African Griffonia bean, but this bean is not a common feature of most people’s diet. Just not getting enough tryptophan is likely to make you depressed; people fed food deficient in tryptophan became rapidly depressed within hours.

Up your intake of chromium

This mineral is vital for keeping your blood sugar level stable because insulin, which clears glucose from the blood, can’t work properly without it. In fact it turns out that just supplying proper levels of chromium to people with atypical depression can make a big difference.

Select Selenium-Rich Foods

Studies have reported a link between low selenium and poor moods. The recommended amount for selenium is 55 micrograms a day for adults.

Evidence isn’t clear that taking supplements can help. And it’s possible to get too much selenium. So it’s probably best to focus on foods:

  • Beans and legumes
  • Lean meat (lean pork and beef, skinless chicken and turkey)
  • Low-fat dairy products
  • Nuts and seeds (particularly brazil nuts – but no more than one or two a day because of their high selenium content)
  • Seafood (oysters, clams, sardines, crab, saltwater fish, and freshwater fish)
  • Whole grains (whole-grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, etc.)

Caffeine and Sugary Foods

Caffeine may be difficult for many people to completely eliminate from their diet. However, it is good to only have caffeinated drinks in moderation, particularly when you are experiencing depression-like symptoms. Caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and make you feel anxious, both of which won’t help your depression. People who drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, the equivalent of four cups of brewed coffee, should consider cutting back.

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S.

His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s.

Dr. Calapai started his practice in New York City in 1986 and for over 25 years he has hosted nationally syndicated radio shows, including his two weekly call-in shows on WABC 770-AM, where he offers health and medical advice. He has a show on Saturday morning 8-9am and Sunday evening from 6-7pm. He has consulted with numerous high-profile individuals including Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue and worked as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers hockey team as well as various modeling agencies.

Dr. Calapai received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and he consults in Manhattan with practices on Long Island, in East Meadow and Plainview. He has appeared on News12 and in the pages of 25A Magazine and Social Life Magazine.

He is the author of E-books Heavy Metals and Chronic Disease, Reverse Diabetes Forever! Seven Steps to Healthy Blood Sugar, Top Ten Supplements You Can’t Live Without, and Glorious Glutathione. Learn more about Dr. Calapai on his website: www.drcal.net

The Morning Delight – Hearty Beverage Packed with Vitamins and Nutrients

Food is the best medicine for relief from stress, anxiety, sleep issues, and acid reflex.  Coconut milk adds a silky creaminess and the right amount of healthy fats so you’ll feel satiated, while lacuma, a super food hailing from Peru, is low-glycemic and packed with antioxidants, fiber, and protein. “The Morning Delight is a hearty beverage packed with vitamins, nutrients, and healthy carbs, which is going to give you the get up and go everyone needs in the morning without the coffee crash,” says Brooks.

INGREDIENTS:
11/2 cups coconut milk
1 tsp lacuma
2 tsp pure matcha tea powder
2 frozen bananas
2 to 3 dates, pitted
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract OR 1 vanilla bean
Small handful of ice (optional, depending whether you froze your bananas)

DIRECTIONS:
Add the coconut milk, lacuma, and matcha to your blender and process until completely mixed. Turn off, then add the rest of your ingredients and blend until totally emulsified. If using the vanilla bean, split the bean in half and scrape out the vanilla pods.

Painting and Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

Tis’ the season to be jolly!  Last weekend, I decided to take a break from the holiday busyness and visit Painting With a Twist art studio.

The purpose behind the class was to celebrate my mom’s birthday.  We had a great time and made plans to register for more events.

Aside from the celebration, one aspect to remember is that painting has therapeutic properties.  Some of the benefits include memory strength, stress relief, and emotional growth.

Painting a one-of-a-kind picture was the perfect bonding activity and awesome way to meet new friends!

I am not the best painter but with guidance I can create a masterpiece!

I also want to share a few additional tips to reduce stress during the holiday season:

  • Make holiday decor during the off-season to eliminate a hectic schedule.
  • Create a food menu and prep/freeze holiday dishes.
  • Visit your local grocery store or warehouse club for prepared dishes (example, Assorted Pinwheel Wraps, Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas, or Ciabatta Sandwich Party Tray.)
  • Play upbeat holiday music to get everyone in the spirit.
  • Allow enough time to wrap gifts not excluding co-workers and care providers.
  • Include low-impact exercise into your weekly routine.

AMI Clubwear – Ready To Wear Collection and Style Options

AMI Clubwear re-launched their Ready To Wear Collection online. The company asked me to share a few style options and I immediately accepted the challenge.

Fashion is a form of self-expression and I wanted to project my personality through the following pieces.  The Sheer Cut Stripe Print Dress is a great party option that can be dressed up (with a pair of heels) or down (wearing a denim jacket.)  Red is also a power hue and compliments most skin tones.

The romper (or jumpsuit) trend is a must-have item for this season. A well-fitted Romper can be worn to brunch, a meeting, or date night. Purchasing a Classic Trench Coat can be another versatile piece; either styled alone or accessorized with a blanket scarf.

AMI Clubwear is a trendy e-commerce site and a great option for the girl who’s seeking fashion on a budget!

 

 

 

 

 

Carrington Farms May On The Move: Kale Omelette Recipe

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This year, Carrington Farms is celebrating springtime by encouraging everyone to keep healthy items on hand at all times, made possible by Carrington’s new line of portable, on-the-go products.

As you already know from this blog, I am a fan of the Carrington Farms product line.  They’re quick, healthy and an easy way to incorporate certain vitamins and nutrients in your diet.  The company has also taken this concept a step further with the creation of Flax Chia, Coconut Oil, and Flax Hemp Paks.

We often overlook breakfast but it’s a very important start to our day!  The proper (breakfast) dish can jumpstart your energy and metabolism.  I wanted to share a recipe with the use of Flax Hemp Paks.

Kale Omelette Recipe:

Ingredients:
About a cup of shredded kale
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 eggs
1 tbsp of milk
1 tsp of Flax Hemp
1/2 diced tomatoes
1/2 onions
1 tsp Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
 
Directions:
Add olive oil and garlic to pan over medium heat for about a minute. Add your kale and let it sizzle and wilt for a few minutes. Whisk two eggs, milk, cheese, onions, and tomatoes together and add to the pan, and wait a few minutes.
Once its cooked flip the omelette and fold the egg.  Season to taste and enjoy!

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Kale Omelette with Flax Hemp Paks

Anyone who orders products off the Carrington website www.carringtonfarms.com can enter the coupon code of MayOnTheMove for 20% off + free shipping (valid for all products on the site).

 

To follow Carrington Farms on social media:

Facebook page www.facebook.com/carringtonfarms | Twitter https://twitter.com/CarringtonFarms | Instagram page https://instagram.com/carringtonfarms/

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Easter Decorating and Traditions

Easter is one of my favorite holidays because it symbolizes rebirth.  It’s the the one day that officially launches Spring and gives us hope that flowers are blooming soon.  Tradition also suggests that we dress up in bright colors to lighten everyone’s spirits.

Aside from wearing the perfect Easter attire, one should also remember to decorate our homes.  I do this for my boys because it’s fun to hear them talk about “the easter bunny” and I enjoy adding a sense of whimsy to my space.

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My family and I will attend church, brunch, and take family photos.  Of course the day before we attend the annual Easter Egg Hunt and laugh about all of the eggs we collected.  Although we’re busy setting our own traditions, it doesn’t take away from decorating my home to create lasting memories.

Photos are from Pinterest.com




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More Easter Traditions:

Decorate or Dye hard boiled eggs

Plant flowers (tulips or lilies)

Host Easter brunch

Read books together about Easter

Gather together as a family at sunrise

Bake Easter themed cupcakes



National Wear Your Lilly Day – June 21st First Day of Summer

Lilly Pulitzer®, the authentic resort fashion brand owned by Oxford Industries, Inc., (NYSE:OXM), is thrilled to celebrate the long-awaited first day of summer, June 21st, aka National Wear Your Lilly Day in a bigger way than ever before. Never needing a cause for celebration, Lilly Lovers will toast their lighthearted lifestyle and the sunny days to come in their favorite Lilly pieces.

 

Summer is bolder and brighter and in the world of fashion, Lilly is THE resort brand to fulfill those requirements. The perfect answer to a jet-set lifestyle inspired by their Palm Beach roots, the Lilly world is filled with bright colors and wild prints. Whether you’re at a pool-side soiree, weekend wedding or burying your toes in the sand, Lilly Pulitzer’s classic chic styles and personality-filled prints are always bound to kick your summer into high gear.

 

Lilly will also be spreading the celebration on June 21st in-store, online, and via their social media platforms. Just like Lilly opened stores wherever she had friends, on National Wear Your Lilly Day you will find well-known friends of the brand painting your Instagram feed in colorful prints and sunny illustrations custom made by the Lilly Print Studio. Taking the social media a step further, this summer Lilly is innovating with a user-generated content gallery via Offerpop Commerce that turns the hashtag #summerinlilly into a shoppable feed from bright & stylish Lilly Girls.

 

Finally, Lilly Pulitzer retail and signature stores will be partying Saturday, June 21st with music, sips & sweets, giveaways and much more!

 

Shop the Summer Collection at www.lillypulitzer.com so you are ready for the First Day of Summer!