Token “action shot”

Tuesday night I gave a talk on foods to help you look at feel your best for the coming beach season at Athleta in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. We had a great group of people who came out in the rain for the event. Rather than just lecture the whole hour, I did a more informal  discussion with Q & A throughout. We talked about a whole bunch of foods that can help us feel in top physical form by fighting bloat and promoting weight loss/maintenance, but we also discussed foods that boost serotonin levels—great for helping to shake off any lingering winter blues. A few of the many foods we talked about:

• Lemon: This powerful detoxifier works as a natural diuretic and gentle laxative. The scent of lemon has also been shown to ease anxiety and promote positive feeling.
• Chicken/Turkey/Lean Beef: Poultry and meat are rich in amino acid tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with mood.
• Fish/Seafood: Fatty fish are potent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Don’t like fish? Try a fish-oil supplement.
• Avocado: The potassium fights bloat, while the healthy fats keep you satisfied while also working wonders for your hair, skin, and nails. An added bonus—the vitamin B6 helps enhance the rate at which our body converts tryptophan into serotonin.
• Bananas: A great source of vitamin B-6, tryptophan, and bloat-banishing potassium.
• Chia Seeds: Another great source of Omega-3s. They also contain 6 grams of fiber per tablespoon to promote satiety. They’re also thought to promote hydration—great for warm-weather workouts.
• Yogurt: The probiotic bacteria in yogurt fight the good fight in the GI tract and help promote regularity. Since most of our serotonin is produced in the gut, a happy gut means a happier you.
• Whole Grains: A great source of B-vitamins, whole grains also have more tryptophan than other, more refined sources of carbohydrates. The fiber also promotes healthy digestion.

Thank you to Athleta for being such a great host!

I also want to give a big thank-you to The Chia Co, General Mills, Rodan +Fields, and Goodie Foodie NY for providing treats for our swag bags.

Also, thank you to my sister for taking some pics at the event.

What are some of your favorite feel-good foods?