How many waves of emotion have you been experiencing over the past 6 months? If you’re like me, you probably feel like you’ve gone through all 27 phases since the start of this pandemic.
Furthermore, you may or may not realize that you’ve been missing some “feel good” chemical reactions in your body. When I recall all of the bread, cake and pie photos that I was seeing on Facebook through this challenging time period, the “comfort food” cravings seemed to be calling loudly.
And guess what? There’s actually a biological reason for this.
Did you know that, according to experts, one of the most important hormones in the human body is released when hugging, socially connecting, and relationship building with others? Also referred to as the “love drug”, Oxytocin chemicals are reported to be released when we are feeling safe and happy.
Is it a wonder that we’ve been craving our fav “comfort foods” through the past 6 months?
Unfortunately, those starches, breads, cakes and pies that may seem to ramp up our happiness for a few fleeting minutes, are not the type of foods that may help to release Oxytocin chemicals effectively during times of isolation, worries and stress.
Did you know that there actually are foods that can help to release these beneficial hormones? In a time of quarantine, social distancing, social and political stress, and increased online interaction, we are missing the emotional ingredients that help to slow the heart rate and relax us.
Here are a few of the foods that may truly be labeled as comfort foods …
- Avocados
- Spinach
- Green tea
- Coffee
- Dark chocolate
- Almonds
So now that we’ve identified some of the true “comfort foods”, here are some fast, easy & delicious recipes to help you incorporate some healthy and hormone-happy additions to your diet!
Fast & Tasty Guacamole
3 ripe organic avocados, de-shelled & pitted
1 organic lime
Celtic sea salt
Garlic powder
Mexican or Southwest seasonings to-taste
(ie: cilantro, cumin, cayenne, chili powder, onion powder, etc.)
Mash avocado in small bowl. Drizzle with juice from lime and mash together with seasonings. Cover and let marinate for 20-30 minutes. Serve.
2-4 servings
Dark Chocolate Almond Nut Clusters
To prepare the nuts the night before:
- 2 cups raw organic almonds
- Enough water to cover
Soak nuts overnight. Completely drain and allow to dry.
- Celtic sea salt
- Organic cinnamon
- Sweet Leaf Stevia powder
When nuts are almost dry, sprinkle with salt, cinnamon and a pinch of Stevia to flavor.
To prepare the chocolate:
- 8 oz organic, fair trade 100% cocoa, unsweetened chocolate
- 1 tsp organic ghee or pure cocoa butter
- 1 ½ – 2 cups confectioners Swerve (powdered erythritol)
- 1 tbsp organic vanilla extract
- 1 – 1 ½ cups boiling water
- Celtic sea salt
Heat non-toxic, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chocolate, butter and Swerve. When ¾ melted, turn off heat and stir.
Add vanilla and then little by little, add boiling hot water until mixture is smooth and velvety and sugar is completely dissolved.
In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate mixture with nuts while chocolate is still hot and liquid. Spread out on parchment or waxed paper and refrigerate until solid. Salt fairly generously.
With a pizza cutter, cut solidified chocolate/nut sheet into bars or break apart by hand.
Yield: Approximately 40 – 50 bars.
Fast & Easy No-Bake Fresh Spinach Artichoke Dip
1 lb fresh organic spinach
1 ½ cups Vegenaise
½ cup organic coconut cream
Herbamare blended seasoning to-taste
1 (8 ounce) jar artichoke hearts
Celtic sea salt & fresh ground pepper to-taste
Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender. Allow to sit for 15 – 20 minutes for flavors to infuse.
Makes approximately 4 cups.
