• Method to Madness.  Do you ever wonder why certain tasks are easier to get motivated to do than others? Find out what happens chemically inside your body to bring on these subtle changes. The hormone Dopamine is one of the largest contributing factors behind our motivation and focus to complete any task.  Plus, Dopamine also regulates the body’s ability to move and speak. Dopamine, which is produced in two separate areas of the brain, is mostly known for interacting with the brain area that regulates mood.
• Motivational Bliss.  Surges of Dopamine felt throughout the body result in feeling of bliss, euphoria, or frequently as intense joy. It is triggered by short term pleasures. So, when you hear your favorite song playing on the radio, you experience an increase in Dopamine release. Instantly, all your woes seem to fade away consumed by the sounds that speak to your very core. Taste is another fast way to boost Dopamine levels naturally but Certain foods are better suited to do this than others.
• Handy Helpers.   Nutrition may well be the fastest, most efficient way to reach any health or wellness goal safely and naturally. When it comes to Dopamine synthetic versions can come with more cons than pros. Synthetic Dopamine is highly addictive! Like almost everything in life, too much of a good thing can create a set of overwhelming problems. Over exposure to synthetic Dopamine creates a tolerance which in turn, forces the user to increase the dose over and over again. Unlike the synthetic Dopamine, natural forms are easier to process and harder to become addicted to.

Top Dopamine-Producing Foods

• Green Tea
• Apples
• Bananas
• Avocado
• Watermelon
• Beets
• Fava Beans
• Leafy Greens
• Lima Beans
• Sea Vegetables
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Sesame Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Oatmeal
• Dark Chocolate

• Heavy Hitters.  What do all these foods have in common? Each food listed above come with a long list of additional health benefits. From antioxidant to anti-inflammatory properties these foods are all designed to help you get the most out of every moment of your day. Need more insensitive to stock up on these tasty foods? After all, most people have at least one weight-related resolution.t. All these foods can also help you shed those pesky unwanted pounds! That’s awesome as now you can feel good while working towards also looking good.  Make sure that you consume these foods as they are meant to be eaten; i.e., no preservatives or added sugars, and as natural as possible!
• Tasty Tricks. The next time you start slipping on your nutritional resolutions, your first step is to up your Dopamine levels in a healthy, natural way. It is sure to help you reach any goal! Eating clean, whole, natural foods is tough in today’s fast paced lifestyle so try out these with quick, easy, delicious recipes.. A favorite healthy tweaks to “Chunky Monkey ice cream” follows.  You will not be disappointed although it is not real ice cream.  After all,  you need every tool to succeed so the ice cream version is also included.

Chunky Monkey Bites

Makes 12 sandwich bites

Gluten Free Vegan

• 2 Ripe Bananas
• 2-3 Tbsp Almond Butter
• 12 Walnut Halves
• 1 ½ Cups Dark Chocolate Chips
• 2 Tbsp Raw Coconut Oil

Directions:   Cut bananas into ½-1 inch width slices. Take small amount (½-1 tsp) of almond butter and place on one half of the banana sandwich. Place a walnut halve in center and top with the other side of banana sandwich. Place banana sandwiches on cookie sheet and place in refrigerator for 5 minutes to set up. In the meantime, using a double boiler (glass or metal bowl over boiling water in a sauce pot) melt chocolate and oil together. Take sandwiches out of refrigerator. Using fork dip and cover sandwich in chocolate. Return to cookie sheet (parchment paper helps) and place into the freezer for 5-10 minutes to set up. Enjoy cold. 

Chunky Monkey Nice Cream

Gluten Free Vegan, Makes 3-4 Cups

• 4 Overly Ripe Bananas Frozen
• 2 Pitted Dates
• ½ Cup Chopped Walnuts Corse
• 1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
• 1 Cup Whole Fat Coconut Milk
• 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
• 1 Tbsp Almond Butter
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla
• 1 tsp Sea Salt

Directions: In processor, blend bananas, dates, syrup, vanilla, salt, and milk. Place into freezer friendly container. Gently fold in nut butter, nuts, and chocolate. Place into freezer to set up (2-4 hours). Once firm scoop out desired amount and enjoy! My clients like it with homemade vegan chocolate sauce and coconut whipped cream!

• A Better You.  Whatever your resolutions are, now is the time to set yourself up for success with these helpful Dopamine producing recipes. You deserve to enjoy a healthy, happy life so if you need any help to get there, just ask me. I am always delighted to lend a hand or a shoulder to lean on. I wish you an amazing 2021 as you work on living out your true potential
• You Are Not Alone.  Are you ready to take back control of your health?  Ÿou must deal with your health daily, and if you feel under the weather, then it really shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day, then you must invest in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. I am always here to help whenever you need it!

For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or book a one-to-one call with me.