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Helene Berk, M.Ed., R.D.
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Select
fiber-rich,
whole grains & legumes
Feeling
Moody? Craving
Carbohydrates?
-
to
manage moods,
-
balance
hormones and
-
clean
the gut.
If you
are craving carbohydrates, you
probably need more serotonin, a chemical affecting brain chemistry and
emotions. Overdose on serotonin and your brain will feel foggy. A small dose will
keep you in a good mood.
When your brain is low in
serotonin, you automatically crave carbohydrates. Some people crave alcohol or
drugs. If you are craving carbohydrates, this symptom means you need
serotonin. Exposure to sunshine, a brisk walk, tryptophan-rich foods (...like
soy beans or peanuts!) or eating carbohydrates will do the trick.
I recommend you select
nutrient-dense carbohydrates, like
fresh produce and
fiber-rich whole grains and
legumes.
What are FIBER-RICH GRAINS & LEGUMES, you
ask?
Make sure you get 3 grams
of fiber per serving of whatever you are eating.
-
Fiber-rich grains: oats, rye, millet, amaranth, brown rice, corn, barley
-
Legumes: Beans, peas, lentils, peanuts,
peanut butter
Grains and legumes are loaded
in B vitamins and minerals to support metabolism and the nervous system.
..but, hold on to your
chair,
because there's more to plant fibers than you think:
Fiber-rich whole grains
with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving
help balance hormones with non-digestible plant fibers called:
"pre-lignin fibers"
...which eventually turn into
lignans
...or,
weak plant hormones!
When your
hormones are in balance, so is your mood :>}
Nutrient-dense starchy
carbohydrates are priceless gems!
- 100% whole grains,
like steel cut oats, barley, wheat, spelt, rye
and brown rice ...and
legumes,
like lentils,
beans and dried peas
contain precious B vitamins, trace minerals, non-digestible plant fibers.
Remember:
non-digestible
"pre-lignin" plant fibers help balance hormones, naturally!
- digestible plant
fibers like oat and pea fibers are small enough to penetrate the intestines
into the bloodstream where they can help manage blood sugars, triglycerides
and LDL cholesterol.
Now
that you know
nutrient-rich whole grains and legumes
are so good for you,
won't you please stop
COMPLETELY avoiding them?
And, if
you absolutely must have a decadent
fiber-free, carbohydrate-rich snack
(like cookies, donuts, pretzels),
just remember the old adage:
"Quality"
not quantity.
The proper portion size will energize you,
yet calm you with a slow, serotonin drip.
REMEMBER:
Without these starchy
carbohydrates,
you will become a nervous wreck!
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