I know by the time February rolls around, it seems like my mood and emotions permanently set up camp in the basement, and they choose the dreariest and most miserable corner of that basement they can find.  Then they turn out the lights until about June.  This year, my goal is to fight back!  And thanks to Kate, I now have some great ingredients in my arsenal!

‘Blue’ Smoothies!

- by Kate Nicholson

Boost your mood with a smoothie!

Any fellow sufferers feeling a little blue from S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as winter inches its way along will be cheered by these happy-making ingredients for ‘Beat-the-Blues’ smoothies…

To the usual mix of 40% green leafy veggies and 60% of fruit, try adding any of the following…

• Sesame seeds: these are one of the richest sources of the amino acid threonine (low levels of which are one of the culprits for depression). A spoonful of raw tahini mixes best.
• A teaspoon of raw chocolate powder (high quantities of phenols, antioxidants which boost the mood) and N-acylethanoloamine, a chemical which stimulates the brain to produce endorphins.
• Nuts are a good source of omega-3’s, B-vitamins, magnesium and protein, all providing mood-enhancing qualities. Hazelnuts and almonds are particularly good for supporting the nervous system.
• Bananas: starchy carbohydrate which helps to produce serotonin.
• Broccoli sprouts, which contain folate, a natural protection against depression, plus you get as much antioxidant in 25grams of broccoli sprouts as you would if you ate 1.36 kilograms of fully grown broccoli.
• Parsley: an abundant supplier of B-vitamins. Also a good source of glutamine, a potent brain food, and essential nutrient for healing.
• Avocado: rich in omega-3’s, lecithin (protects cells from oxidation and largely makes up the protective sheaths surrounding the brain) and also acts as a ‘nutrient-booster’ enabling the body to absorb antioxidants more efficiently.
• Raw honey: contains small amounts of antioxidants and is wonderful for busting S.A.D. sugar cravings!

Experiment and enjoy! And don’t forget a good dose of daily fresh air - even if the sun isn’t shining!