You wouldn’t put cheap gas in a BMW, so why fuel your body with junk? “People underestimate the connection between their mood and energy levels and what they’re eating,” Holistic Health Coach, mom and founder of Mama Glow, Latham Thomas says. Basically if you’re filling up on fast food and junk, you’ll feel like junk. From running to the next appointment to being up all night doing lord knows what, you’re not only busy, you’re exhausted. Before you start “running on E” reclaim control by nourishing your body with these approved snacks for various situations in your day-to-day, to keep you on top of your game.

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?

Grab: Acai Berry Smoothie (1 cup)

Turn your entire day around by not only combating fatigue but giving yourself a mood boost with this smoothie.  This berry duo offers a unique blend of antioxidants and the omega 3 fatty acids in the acai make it a complete protein, Thomas says. As an added bonus, blueberries are known for banishing belly fat. If you can’t sit down to enjoy this smoothie, you can easily take it on the go making it convenient for busy mornings.

1 packet acai pulp, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1 3/4 cups apple juice or water, 1/2 banana (reserve other half for topping), peeled and sliced, 1 teaspoon chia seeds (packed with omega 3s and a great source of protein), 1 to 2 teaspoons of granola (optional).

Place the first five ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Place in a bowl or to go cup and top with granola and remaining half of the banana.

Need a quick boost of energy?

Grab: Lentil Soup or 25 plain almonds (about a handful)

Serve yourself a heaping bowl of lentil soup for a nutritious meal or snack. Jam packed with protein, iron, folate and fiber, you’ll not only feel full throughout the day, you’ll feel energized and ready to take on the world. Make some of my lentil soup or check out my friend Peggy Kotsopulos‘, Registered Holistic Nutritionist and author of Peggy K’s Kitchen Cures (great book, please pick it up) recipe in advance, freeze then heat when you’re ready to eat. Not a fan of lentils? Grab a handful of plain almonds. Rich in protein and healthy fats, almonds give you an energy boost to keep you from feeling that afternoon slump.

PMS hit you hard this month?

Grab: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (2 palms full)

During your cycle you need to up your intake of iron rich foods, Thomas says. She suggests noshing on some pumpkin seeds for a crunchy nutritional powerhouse loaded with vitamins A, B, K, iron, zinc and omega 3’s. Pumpkin seeds also increases serotonin levels, balancing those mood swings.

Just feeling low with no explanation?

Grab: 2 Brazil Nuts A Day

For those days when you’re just not in the mood, Kotsopoulos recommends consuming 2 brazil nuts a day. Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium, an important mineral for alleviating depression. They also stabilize blood sugar and are a great source of zinc, helpful for nursing mama’s and a healthy immune system (for both mama and baby).

Need a little R&R?

Grab: 4 small squares of dark chocolate (at least 72% cacao)

If you needed an excuse to eat chocolate, here’s one. Just a small amount releases oxytocin (the cuddle hormone), promoting feelings of comfort, relaxation and happiness.    Dark chocolate is also a good source of magnesium, Thomas says, aiding in relaxation (hint: it will make you sleepy).

Peace, love and no beef!

Guramrit

NOTE: I wrote this piece earlier on in the year for Parenting Magazine. Unfortunately the magazine was closed and this super eye opening piece was not used. Please enjoy this incredible piece.