When recovering from an Eating Distress/Eating Disorder, the exciting build up to Christmas can sometimes be converted to an anxious time, especially around the topic of nutrition. Rather than fearing the fuel for our body it is very helpful for our Recovery when we gain insight to all the wonderful life-enhancing properties they have.
Turkey -High in protein. It is good source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium , B vitamins an Trytophan which is essential in the creation or serotonin – the “Happy Chemical” in the brain 🙂
Ham – A good source of four B vitamins, of vitamin E and vitamin A.
Quite a few essential minerals are obtained through ham, but it’s an especially great source of selenium, phosphorus and zinc it also provides the daily value of potassium, iron, magnesium and copper.
Smoked salmon – High in protein and it has plenty of calcium and potassium leaving your bones and muscles feeling healthy and strong!
Eggs – Choline converts to a brain-cell transmitter – acetylcholine; low levels been linked with poor memory & Alzheimer’s disease. Eggs contain as well cancer-fighting selenium and iodine – important for thyroid hormones to regulate the metabolism.
Contain lecithin, a substance that helps emulsify fat and cholesterol in the body, rich for protein, zinc, vitamins A, D, E, and B – especially B12
Sprouts – Just 20g will provide you with your recommended weekly intake of the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. Containing high concentration of valuable enzymes, proteins. Rich in Vitamin C & E
Cinnamon – Helps balance blood glucose levels , supports digestive function, helps to relieve pain and stiffness of muscle and joints, it has anti-inflammatory properties, helps premature tooth decay and gum disease, prevents urinary tract infections.
Ginger – Even a small piece of raw ginger added to a cup of tea is great for maintaining/improving your immune system. Scientific research has proven that ginger offers relief for circulatory problems, relief of nausea, digestive problems, inhibits blood clotting, inflammation, travel sickness, migraine, stimulate flow of digestive enzymes, anti-spasmodic. Recent research has linked the consumption of ginger as a safe and effective remedy for the pain and swelling suffered by victims of arthritis and rheumatism.
Prunes – High in Vitamin A and Vitamin B6, good as well for constipation.
Dates – Rich in dietary fiber, which prevents dietary LDL cholesterol absorption in the gut. It is also a good bulk laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing exposure time and as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. A good source of Vitamin-A .Dates are an excellent source of iron. Rich in potassium, calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Contain B-complex group as well as vitamin K.
Cranberries – Full of fiber, rich for vitamin C and vitamin A. They help protect our urinary tract, anti-inflammatory properties, support our immune system and have great anti-cancerous benefits.
Coconut oil – Promoting your heart health, promoting weight loss when and if you need it, supporting your immune system health, helping to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking and supporting the proper functioning of your thyroid gland
Chocolate – It is a good source of folic acid, copper, iron, potassium and magnesium and contains smaller amount of some B vitamins, also rich in antioxidant. Contains a substance called the bromine that adds to a pleasant feeling.
Milk thistle – Festive behaviour can quickly leave you feeling bilious, but a daily dose of milk thistle can soon put a stop to that. The seeds contain a bioflavonoid known as silymarin, which is thought to help protect the liver from poisonous toxins as well as boosting the regrowth of liver cells to replace those damaged by disease or toxic substances such as alcohol. It also helps stimulate the gall bladder.
Echinacea – The cold season is here, so it pays to be prepared with some Echinacea, this wonder herb contains active ingredients in its roots an leaves that have anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea is thought to help encourage the production of white blood cells and speed them along to infected areas.
Essential oils – Good to perk you up or calm you down. Infusing your house with the sweet smell of essential oils can imbue it with atmosphere. The oils you choose depend largely on the mood you are after. As a general rule, neroli and rose are soothing, peppermint, ginger and clove re-energising and sandalwood or ylang ylang softly sensual. And if you are after something seasonal, try frankincense or myrrh. For calming nerves, try a blend of juniper, lavender and clary sage, while comforting camomile comes tops for keeping emotions in balance.
Valerian – Getting your nightly quota of shut eye is important at this time of year to keep you going through the rounds of parties and social events. But often stress builds up, you start to worry about things and you cannot sleep. Valerian is long used by the Ancient Greeks and Romans as a mild sedative, its active ingredients include volatile oils, iridoids and alkaloids, which help you to calm down.
The most important is to legalise lightness and have fun!!!
