It is just a busy time of year for all of us. We have deadlines, spring break, expectations, kids sporting events, and long winter days. You see, I have struggled with seasonal depression for most of my life.
Just to spare you the details, I get stomach pains when I eat certain foods. When my stomach gets bad, I struggle to stay above depression. I woke up this morning and decided it was time to heal my stomach. I didn't have a perfect eating day, but it started out wonderfully. Here are some of my favorite foods for healing:
- Cranberries. These are one of my top foods to flush the kidneys, aid in digestion, to fight inflammation and to help with things like UTI's. You can buy fresh cranberries in the stores right now. I like to blend 2 cups of cranberries with 4 cups of water and drink it down (it's really not that bad, but you can sweeten it with honey if needed).
- Pomegranates. These seeds not only mimic the shape of your ovaries, but they are also so good at healing them! They are great for any reproductive issues. They also help balance and restore hormones. Because of this they give you a great boost of energy. They are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and health-boosting plant compounds. The high amount of antioxidants helps protect your cells.
- Cinnamon. Just one teaspoon of cinnamon has as many disease-fighting antioxidants as one half-cup of blueberries. This spice can also help regulate blood sugar levels, it can aid in digestion, it can help you lose weight and it gives the best flavor! I like to add cinnamon on anything sweet, just make sure you are getting the real thing.
- Apples. apples really are a perfect food. They are what I recommend for a reset. If you are not feeling great, try eating only apples for a day. They restore your gut, which is extra important when you might be indulging a little more than you usually do (like I did!). I cut up an apple and added it to my smoothie today.
- Ginger. I added ginger to my smoothie to help with the pain in my stomach. It adds a little spice, but it helps with pain, and it helped the nausea I was feeling. Simply add about an inch to your smoothie.
- Celery Juice. If you have been here long enough, you know I talk about the power of flushing your bowels. Any time your body isn't functioning at 100%, you know you need to flush your bowels. I juiced a quart of this today and drank it all. Let me tell you, it is effective for flushing your system!
- Cayenne and Turmeric. I am adding these together because I take a shot of this when I am lacking in energy. Turmeric is fantastic to help calm inflammation. Cayenne brings blood which allows healing. These are also great to help release weight and boost your metabolism.