#WeeklyWisdom and Top 5 Good Mood Nutrition Noshes

Nosh One. Wisdom. 

Do you make a point to be in a good mood each day? 

I came across this quote and thought of my friend Carrie, who had a hell of a weekend recently.  While she was reflecting, she couldn't help but feel she was being tested and found positive vibes is what saved the weekend and herself from disaster. In a post she placed on Instagram, she said she is learning to put into the universe what she would like to get back. That is a profound and conscious choice we have to make all the time, just like being in a good mood. 

We make decisions all the time, what to wear, what to eat and where to go. And yet, how much thought are we putting into the decision setting the tone for our day?  Not enough. 

What do you want to get back from the universe?  I think it all starts with the best decision YOU have the choice to make, by being in a good mood. 

Nosh Two. Weekly Conversation. 

Today’s conversation is with Andrew Doherty, a registered dietitian who does not work in the traditional setting and enjoys sharing his simple but delicious life with food.

A few years ago, I received a comment on Twitter from Andrew because we had an Iowa connection, so of course I had to start following him. I was immediately drawn to his witty banter and views from his own personal kitchen. Andrew and I talk about his non-traditional role as a dietitian, how you can influence and practice our profession in a variety of ways and what the future holds for him as he is just starting his MBA. Andrew is very practical in his approach to sharing his journey and inspires me to cook more by making it look easy.

Please enjoy my conversation with Andrew.

Connect with Andrew on Twitter and Instagram

Nosh Three. Week in Review. 

In the spirit of being in a good mood, I am going to share with you my daily tips to accomplish this goal each each day. It has taken me a little time to find a solid routine that works for me and maybe it will help you in your daily journey. 

 Good Mood Tip #1:  Mediate or pray each day when you wake up. 

Open your eyes and become fully awake to take 5-10 minutes before you leap into full-on morning mode and focus on your breath. I do this through both prayer and meditation and I love the Headspace app. It helps you be centered and focused for a positive day ahead. 

Good Mood Tip #2:  Eat food with protein. 

We have all heard of the term hangry, some may have even coined it "Annegry" and I feel this deep in my soul. If I do not eat food with a substantial source of protein, good mood is forgotten.  Eggs win every time because I can prepare them fast (this is my scrambled eggs in a coffee cup microwaved for 2 minutes), use them in a variety of ways (boiled, egg muffins, burrito, sandwich) and know I am getting good food mojo for my body and my brain. Having protein every time I eat is the key to sustaining my good mood for the entire day. 

Good Mood Tip #3:  Journal

When I get to work, I can be pulled a million directions the minute I walk in the door. I have discovered my day needs a purposeful agenda. I sit down at my desk and write for about 3-5 minutes to give my day direction and express gratitude. It is not organized or perfectly outlined in bullet points but it helps me set my goals of accomplishment that day. 

Good Mood Tip #4:  Snack (and don't get too busy and forget)

Getting caught up in the daily tasks of the day happen but I truly feel it is very important to keep fueling your body and your brain all day. You have to eat. Do not do a disservice to your family, co-workers or cashier at the grocery store and be an ass. Schedule food with protein throughout the day to keep your engine running well. Rxbars and brazil nuts are my jam right now. 

Good Mood Tip #5:  Add something new to your day. 

Schedules are great, consistency is great but who doesn't love a little element of surprise. Is there a recipe you have been wanting to try?  A movie you have wanted to see?  A friend you have been meaning to call?  Making a quick decision to do something you have had on your radar is a great way to mix up the day and give yourself some well deserved attention. You deserve it for choosing to be in a good mood all day, well done!

Food tends to be my "something new" I add to each day because I work in a grocery store and the food world is my oyster.  I have seen Burrata all over the interwebs, so one night as I was getting ready to leave work, I ran over to the specialty cheese section and grabbed some with some freshly baked bread. When I got home, I roasted some tomatoes, toasted my bread and ever so gently opened the Belgioioso Burrata and sank into my chair, happily eating away with a big smile on my face. It did not disappoint. 

Nosh Four. Workout Playlist of the Week. 

My bonus Good Mood Tip is to move your body intentionally. Whatever you love to do and can do it consistently in your life, do it. All movement counts for any amount of time. Intentional movement evens out my equilibrium and helps me sleep better so when I repeat this process everyday, it works. I am intentional working on strength training and it puts me in the best mood when I can see my body do things I didn't think it could do. Please enjoy this weeks playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. 

Nosh Five. What I Love Right Now. 

 Intentionally, I do my best to be in a good mood everyday. This week, I was reminded how others I am around take notice and return the vibes. My co-worker Kelly gave me this sweet and delicious bag of my favorite fruit, Stemlit Rainier Cherries (which is always my belated birthday gift). Made my day and was that special element of surprise. Being in a good mood is always worth it. 

~AE

*All views and opinions on products, food and businesses in this blog post are my own and are not sponsored in any way. I just love to share great things!