Friday, October 10, 2008

Snacks for Depression

The recipe for success with depression is to pair light proteins such as vegetable proteins, turkey, nuts, or white cheeses with a high fiber friend such as a fruit, vegetable, or a whole grain choice.

These foods also are typically rich in calcium and magnesium, minerals that serve to relax the nervous system and alleviate muscle tension.

Think of cottage cheese as your "drug of choice" for boosting these amino acids. Be sure to always combine light proteins with high fiber foods to stabilize your blood sugar as I have discussed in the The Low Glycemic Index Diet.

Some simple snack ideas:

  • Cottage cheese and fruit.
  • A string cheese and a few whole grain crackers.
  • A small serving of salmon and brown rice.
  • A bowl of oatmeal with almonds.
  • Yogurt, fruit, and wheat germ.
  • Granola and yogurt.
  • Peanut butter on whole grain toast.
  • One egg and a piece of whole grain toast.
  • A fruit smoothie with protein powder.
  • A small bowl of high fiber cereal and milk.
  • A handful of raw cashews, peanuts, or other nuts.
  • Half an avocado and whole grain chips.
  • Half a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread.
  • 3 tablespoons of hummus and veggies or a few whole grain chips.
  • 2 tablespoons of cashew butter and celery decorated with raisins.
  • Rice cakes and cashew or peanut butter.
  • Almonds and apple slices.
  • 3-6 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds mixed with applesauce or yogurt.
Resource: http://KitchenTableMedicine.com

Recommended Reading: Sleep, Stress, The Low Glycemic Index Diet, Hypoglycemia, Fiber, Amino Acids and Mood Disorders, Anxiety
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DISCLAIMER:

This website is intended for educational purposes only. Read our full disclaimer. Always work with your physician for proper care and supervision. I strictly advise AGAINST combining herbs or natural therapies (aside from vitamins, minerals, or fish oil) with any form of anti-depressants. Although it is occasionally done, most naturopathic physicians, MD’s, and psychiatrists agree that until we have research demonstrating efficacy and safety herbs and natural anti-depressants with similar mechanisms to prescription drugs should not be simultaneously used. Also, although these medicines are “natural” they are still medicines. Please do not choose to discontinue your natural medicines without the advice of your physician, someone should be overseeing your care. Depression is complicated to sort out. Please do not try to do it alone. Someone needs to be documenting your mood fluctuations as well as when you start and stop specific therapies. Never make any changes to your health without first consulting with your physician. Have your physician check for drug interactions, and always be cautious when combining natural medicines and drugs for depression as the life threatening condition "Serotonin Syndrome" may occur. Work directly with a physician in regards to your bi-polar or depression.