Kick off the weekend with a mood boost and soothed muscles when you eat the foods that are wired to do the trick. And no, chocolate isn’t the only one equipped to do so.

WATER FIGHT

Sugar has long been a legitimate go-to for stressful moments, and justifiably so. With it’s ability to release endorphins, hormones that make you relax and smile, chocolate-ly sweet snacks can make any frustrating deadline go away…temporarily. However, researchers at the University of Chicago recently discovered that plain old water may have the same effect. You can add green tea bags and get an extra lift.

PAIN KILLER

As if being hunched over your computer isn’t painful enough, flu season is here too. Don’t be surprised if you feel achy and only in the mood to curl up with a Snuggie. To help you make it to the couch more easily, fill your fridge with foods replete with phytochemicals, which protect your immune system and promote resistance to certain diseases. Fall is full of them. Try a warm winter squash with apples, cinnamon and a splash of agave nectar or honey.

Or make a salad or hot soup with a few of these pain-fighting foods:

Dark leafy greens vegetables, carrots, sweet peppers, leeks, pumpkins, tomatoes, peaches, oranges, tumeric and thyme.

Omega 3 fatty acids not only protect your hair and nails,  but also minimize inflammation and speed up recovery time.

• Eggs fortified with omega-3 fatty acids.
• Wheat germ and other whole grains
• Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
• Deep water fish–herring, salmon, sardines, mackerel
• Walnuts, Brazil nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Avocados

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It’s National Breakfast Month. Not that you needed a holiday to remind you which meal is most important. No matter what your first a.m. craving is  (even Chinese food) or responsibility (early Urban Rebounding class, perhaps?) there’s a way to healthfully plate it to energize you for your day ahead.

KIDS MEAL

National Waffle Week ended Tuesday, but considering that Kashi GOLEAN’S Blueberry Waffles are packed with 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, we’ll continue celebrating…with some Zero Calorie Walden Farm Syrup drizzled on top. For an extra boost of nutrients (C, D, Calcium and B vitamins) add a 6 oz.  glass of Tropicana OJ with Calcium.

LEFTOVERS

You don’t have to wait until lunch to eat the leftovers from last night.  Salvage and cook up the remnants of your entree into an omelette.  Spray your pan with Gourme Mist Olive Oil and pan fry three to four large egg whites.  Add the remaining veggies and protein and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

BRAIN FOOD

When you definitely can’t Facebook your way through lunch, consider a breakfast filled with omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA, the main building block of the brain) to make sure you’re feeling especially sharp.  Fish and fish oils are loaded with these nutrients, so spread 3 oz.  of smoked salmon on a slice of whole wheat bread and top with  Toffuti Herbs and Chives Spread for an extra kick.

CHAMPION

Wheaties isn’t the only breakfast of superstars. Quinoa is too. This high protein food will fill you up, stabilize blood sugar levels and may ward off fatigue because of its high iron and Vitamin B2 levels.

Replace your oatmeal with quinoa.  Wash a 1/4 cup of the seeds and cook uncovered in 1/2 cup of boiling water for approx. 12 minutes. Pour into a colander and drain for several minutes to remove the excess moisture.  Stir and add milk.

or

Combine chilled cooked quinoa with juicy orange slices, chopped walnuts and chopped scallions for a refreshing salad.

SUGAR CEREALS

No one should have to give up her favorite sugar cereals. While it’s best to avoid making a whole bowl out of one with more than 5 grams of sugar per serving, there’s a way to fit them into the loop.

Pour 3/4 cup of a low sugar, high fiber option like Kashi Fiber One or Cheerios and add 1/4 cup of your sweet flakes of choice.

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It’s National Breakfast Month. Not that you needed a holiday to remind you which meal is most important. No matter what your first a.m. craving is (even Chinese food) or responsibility (early Urban Rebounding class, perhaps?) there’s a way to healthfully plate it to energize you for your day ahead.

KIDS MEAL

National Waffle Week ended Tuesday, but considering that Kashi GOLEAN’S Blueberry Waffles are packed with 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, we’ll continue celebrating…with some Zero Calorie Walden Farm Syrup drizzled on top. For an extra boost of nutrients (C, D, Calcium and B vitamins) add a 6 oz. glass of Tropicana OJ with Calcium.

LEFTOVERS

You don’t have to wait until lunch to eat the leftovers from last night. Salvage and cook up the remnants of your entree into an omelette. Spray your pan with Gourme Mist Olive Oil and pan fry three to four large egg whites. Add the remaining veggies and protein and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

BRAIN FOOD

When you definitely can’t Facebook your way through lunch, consider a breakfast filled with omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA, the main building block of the brain) to make sure you’re feeling especially sharp. Fish and fish oils are loaded with these nutrients, so spread 3 oz. of smoked salmon on a slice of whole wheat bread and top with Toffuti Herbs and Chives Spread for an extra kick.

CHAMPION

Wheaties isn’t the only breakfast of superstars. Quinoa is too. This high protein food will fill you up, stabilize blood sugar levels and may ward off fatigue because of its high iron and Vitamin B2 levels.

Replace your oatmeal with quinoa. Wash a 1/4 cup of the seeds and cook uncovered in 1/2 cup of boiling water for approx. 12 minutes. Pour into a colander and drain for several minutes to remove the excess moisture. Stir and add milk.

or

Combine chilled cooked quinoa with juicy orange slices, chopped walnuts and chopped scallions for a refreshing salad.

SUGAR CEREALS

No one should have to give up her favorite sugar cereals. While it’s best to avoid making a whole bowl out of one with more than 5 grams of sugar per serving, there’s a way to fit them into the loop.

Pour 3/4 cup of a low sugar, high fiber option like Kashi Fiber One or Cheerios and add 1/4 cup of your sweet flakes of choice.