food
By Mallory Arnold
Shaking this Stress Foods that de-stress and impress
F
orty million people in the U.S. struggle with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. And while most prescription medications are oftentimes necessary, the most surprising medicines are right in your kitchen. A Harvard Medical School study found that a diet emphasizing lean meat, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables mitigates depressive symptoms in young adults within three weeks. Thankfully, New Albany features a handful of healthful options such as Freshii and the shake-orientated store New Life Nutrition – both are offering carry out and delivery during the pandemic. Skip Scott, owner of New Life Nutrition, firmly believes healthful foods can positively impact mental health. In fact, it’s the reason he opened his store. “You have to take care of all aspects of your body because they are all important in working together,” Scott says. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
The health enthusiast insists that specific amino acids, vitamins and minerals can help with mental fatigue and clarity. “Healthy energy boosts increase endorphins in the brain,” he says, “and helps fight hunger and depression. Also, people lose weight, which (may) make them feel better about themselves, thus reducing anxiety and creating a positive outlook on life.”
Speaking of anxiety, local business owners like Scott have felt stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. “These are very stressful times that most people haven’t experienced in their lifetime,” Scott says. “We are deemed essential and are authorized to deliver products so that people can make their own healthy meals at home. We even provide recipes and instructions.”
Stress Relieving Green Smoothie Recipe from Taste Love and Nourish Ingredients 2 cups fresh spinach 1 ⁄2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt 1 ⁄2 avocado 1 frozen banana 3 ⁄4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 ⁄2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 ⁄8 tsp. ground turmeric 1 ⁄8 tsp. ground nutmeg
Instructions Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend on high speed for about 45 seconds or until smooth and creamy. For a sweeter taste, add honey.
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