Nutrition Tips From Neka Pasquale, Founder and President of Urban Remedy

Posted on 1/16/20

Here at Happy Not Perfect we are dedicated to providing you with the best tips and tricks to lead a happier, healthier life. So you can understand why we are so excited to share this with you from our friends from Neka Pasquale, Founder and President of Urban Remedy. Read on to learn how to build a happier mind through nutrition!

What we eat can directly affect our energy levels. When we consistently eat foods that promote inflammation, like processed foods that contain the whites (white flour, sugar, potatoes) and high-fructose corn syrup, omega-6 oils (soybean, corn, and sunflower oils); foods with preservatives; GMOs, processed meats, and sugar-rich beverages like sodas and highly sweetened coffee drinks, we are promoting unhealthy in inflammation in our bodies. This inflammation taxes the body and can cause fatigue, feeling sluggish, bloating and the need for caffeine to get through the day.

A better way to eat is to consume a diet rich in plant-based foods as close to their natural state as possible like fresh organic fruits and nuts; superfoods like cacao, hemp, goji berries, and chia; healthy fats and powerful spices like coconut oil, turmeric, garlic, and ginger; and vibrantly colored vegetables that contain antioxidants that stamp out in inflammatory free radicals. Eating smaller plant-based, organic meals are easier to digest, filled with phytochemicals, and support vibrant health and higher energy levels.

Optimize your daily performance by cutting out sugar and processed foods. Reaching for high glycemic foods like candy, cookies, popcorn, soda, and donuts can increase inflammation, causing free radical damage and stress on your nervous system (this includes your brain). Eating low-glycemic foods leads to a clear mind and optimal brain function, which will ultimately benefit all aspects of your day.

We’ve all been there. In an effort to boost your energy level at work, you reach for that candy bar in your drawer or head to the fridge for a cold soda. Sure, sugar will initially give you a surge of energy, but that inevitable crash always follows. This crash is called hypoglycemia, and it’s your body’s way of telling you that your blood sugar levels are peaking and dropping dramatically. If this is your constant routine, exhaustion will ensue. Break the cycle by eating a balanced diet that includes fat, protein and fiber, to ensure you have a constant and even flow of energy throughout the day.

It’s actually easier than most people think to cut sugar and optimize performance. There are great alternatives to meals and snacks that are high in sugar. For balanced blood sugar levels,

stick with snacks like raw almonds, cashews, and hummus that give you sustained energy. Fresh vegetables, apples, berries, and hard-boiled eggs will keep you energized throughout the day without the crash. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up beverage, green tea is a much better alternative to a sugary coffee drink.

The bottom line: If you want to improve your daily performance, cut out the sugar. You’ll be surprised by how great you feel, and just how much your daily performance can benefit.

Food swaps:

Instead of Sugary coffee drink choose Green tea

Instead of popcorn choose a handful of organic almonds, macadamia nuts or sunflower seeds.

Instead of fruit juice choose a low glycemic green juice.

Instead of donut/muffin choose gluten-free avocado toast

Instead of wheat/grain noodles try zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Instead of sugary yogurt choose a plant-based plain yogurt with fresh berries.

Instead of mashed potatoes try mashed cauliflower.

Instead of a beef burger choose a veggie burger.

Instead of a beer choose a kombucha

Instead of a candy bar choose dark chocolate