We have all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” But have you ever thought about how what you eat affects your performance as you go about daily life?
Many people are discovering the benefits of a more organic, alkaline, vegetarian and balanced diet with reduced sugar and wheat. Aside from athletes, however, few of us stop to think about the specific "fuel" we put in our bodies before big events.
Being mindful of what you eat can help you prepare for whatever challenges you face, whether it is a mentally demanding business meeting or a parent-teacher conference, says world-renowned naturopath and energy psychologist, Her Holiness Sai Maa.
Certified in Naturopathic, Homeopathic and Osteopathic therapies in France, Maa holds a Ph.D. in Spirituality from the Open International University. Below she shares her best food choices for optimal brain and body performance. Remember to use organic ingredients where possible.
Business meetings: Eat for focus, groundedness.
Before a business meeting, try a good greens smoothie for balanced energy for the body and optimal alertness for the brain.
o
1
cup fresh apple juice as a base, add 2 celery stalks, 1/3 cucumber, a handful
of dark greens (kale or chard), a handful of cilantro, ½ peeled lemon, 1 apple,
a tbsp. of a balanced omega 3/6/9 blend (such as Udo's.) Blend in a high speed
blender (Vitamix is best).
For
dates and relationships, think warm!
A
hot chocolate drink before a date warms the heart, or try this recipe:
o
Heat
(not boil) a cup of fresh almond milk with 2 tbsp of raw cacao powder, a pinch
of fresh vanilla bean, a teaspoon of coconut oil and some agave nectar to
taste. Blend well in Vitamix.
Parent/teacher
or student/teacher meetings:
Sai
Maa recommends a very berry smoothie, high in antioxidants and vitamin C, for a
drink loved by parents and children alike.
o
1
cup of berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries…what ever
you like, but organic is best), 1 apple, ½ squeezed lemon, fresh almond milk or
oat milk. Kefir is a good alternative also. Blend well in Vitamix. A scoop of
whey protein can also be blended in at the end.
Before
writing or other creative ventures:
Got
a juicer? Try mixing your own to get the creative juices flowing:
o
2
stalks of celery, ½ cucumber, 2 apples, 2 carrots, 2 cups of baby spinach (or
other dark, leafy greens), 1 lemon (peeled) and a piece of fresh ginger (about
1 inch or to taste).
After
a workout or other athletic activity:After exercise, try a good protein shake to replenish and support building the body, or fresh coconut water to rehydrate the body in a powerful way.
o
1
cup of almond milk (or fresh kefir), an apple, 2 scoops of good quality pure
whey protein powder. Blend in Vitamix.
o
Take
the water of a fresh young coconut, with the inside of the coconut scrapped
off, and blend thoroughly in a Vitamix with a teaspoon of Udo's balanced omega
3/6/9 blend. Blend in some fresh pineapple. This recipe is great for fighting
inflammation.
Which of these yummy drinks will be you trying?
More About Sai Maa:Sai Maa (SAY Sigh-Mah) is an international spiritual master, healer and leader of humanitarian efforts. She inspires and energizes people worldwide through Sai Maa Diksha (pure light blessing). With her unique combination of Eastern spiritual wisdom, Western therapeutic knowledge and maternal love, Sai Maa shares lessons to uplift humanity and help people master their own lives as she has mastered hers. Sai Maa has published two books, Petals of Grace: Essential Teachings for Self-Mastery and Points of Light. Learn more at http://www.sai-maa.com.
