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The food that we eat is inextricably tied to our overall health and well-being; it is something we should not take for granted and we should not underestimate its value in our daily lives. And ultimately, we should feel good about the food that we eat, and the food that we eat should make us feel good! 

When we think of feel-good foods, initially we may conjure up images of our favorite, indulgent meal, such as a loaded pizza, or burger with all the trimmings. Yes, these types of food may indulge our stomach, mood, and senses but it can’t be deemed as feel-good food from a health perspective (or at least not if it is more than a treat now and then!). Our emotions are heavily connected to food and vice versa…do you notice how you feel you want your comfort food indulgences on the days when you feel a bit low?! 

It is OK to treat yourself but the key to healthy living resides in your daily habits and behaviors, especially around food. So, adjust your daily food habits and you inevitably become healthier over time. 

Foods to make you feel good

The trouble is, we think that foods that are deemed healthy or good for you are boring or lack flavor. And this is not the case! Many foods that are notoriously good for you are flavorsome, colorful, and packed full of nutrients you need for better living. And this is the ultimate goal, isn’t it? To create a better life! 

Some foods are so abundant in the nutritional properties that they can have a feel-good effect upon your mood and emotions as well as your physical health. Here are some foods that not only taste great but also pack a powerful nutritional punch! 

• Salmon and other Omega-3-rich fish such as tuna, sardines, and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids have a highly positive effect on our brain and body- potentially improving your mood. Fish does tend to be under-consumed in comparison to meat or chicken, however, just two portions a week is all you need for health benefits! 

• Magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, avocado, and dark leafy greens. Magnesium is a mineral that many people may be deficient in without even realizing it. It is a crucial mineral for our metabolism and fundamental functions and it can also help to balance our hormones- thereby affecting mood also. 

• Foods high in Vitamins B and C. Vitamins B and C are water-soluble and so you need regular amounts daily for optimal nutrition. These vitamins support hormone balance, energy levels, cell function, and the immune system. 

These foods are just the tip of the iceberg! Numerous foods are considered “superfoods”; these are what we need to take full advantage of to feel good, and even the smallest portions hold massive nutritional value. Have you ever tried seaweed? Seaweed is a Superfood! 

Why Seaweed is a Super Food! 

Seaweed naturally contains many of the vitamins and minerals a body needs to be healthy, which is why it’s been called "Mother Nature's Multi-Vitamin". It is an excellent source of iodine, which is necessary for the body's metabolism. Without iodine, which is what powers the thyroid gland, you feel sluggish and don't digest food well. 

Seaweed is also a good source of Calcium, Iron, Protein, Potassium, Vitamins B6 & B12, Omega-3's, and anti-oxidants. It is naturally packed with plenty of the good stuff that keeps you well! 

In terms of sustainability, seaweed embodies how our food model should evolve to feed the planet into the future. It is a zero-input crop, which means that it requires no arable land, no freshwater, and no fertilizer to grow. It naturally sequesters carbon as it grows, which helps reduce ocean acidification. 

Studies have shown the benefits of growing seaweed next to shellfish: as seaweed sequesters carbon, the surrounding water creates a protective ring or 'halo' around the shellfish which allows them to grow to full maturity. 

Ocean's Balance is a Maine company that uses sustainably grown and harvested seaweed from the Gulf of Maine to produce its line of innovative products. 

Seaweed is growing in popularity; it's on every Top 10 Food list and celebrity chefs around the world are cooking with it! As such, consumption is increasing as people focus more on health and wellness. And they're not wrong: seaweed is quite possibly the perfect food because it is incredibly nutritious, and it's also gentle on the planet. 

Ocean’s Balance creates Feel-Good Food! 

“Ocean's Balance works with local fishermen to grow seaweed as part of our mission to support Maine's coastal communities. Seaweed grows in the winter and is harvested in the spring, providing fishermen with an alternative source of income using the same equipment they already have, and enabling them to stay on the water”- Ocean’s Balance

What sets Ocean's Balance apart is that their seaweed comes from the pristine Gulf of Maine, not Asia, where conditions do not compare to their clean, cold waters. 98% of the seaweed consumed by Americans is imported, and Ocean’s Balance is committed to changing that by producing locally sourced products with a smaller carbon footprint. Their packaging is eco-friendly, too: they use compostable, recyclable, or reusable materials.

Here are two of their products: Organic Seaweed Flakes and Kelp Purée

Organic Seaweed Flakes

These are available in Dulse, Wakame, and Kombu. 

• Dulse is native to the North Atlantic and wildly popular because of its smoky, rich flavor. It is often added to beans. 

• Wakame has a briny, salty, umami flavor. It is traditionally used in seaweed salads, and also makes a tasty garnish on soups. 

• Kombu has a slightly herbal and fruity taste.  It is used to make dashi, which is the base for miso soup. All 3 can be used as a salt substitute. 

These USDA Certified Organic Seaweed Flakes make a healthy and delicious addition to soups, salads, and sauces. Perfect for Plant-based, Paleo, and Keto diets!

Kelp Purée 

It is the only shelf-stable product of its kind. It is as simple as it is innovative. Kelp's natural glutamates enhance the flavor of food, while at the same time providing all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to be healthy and robust. 

“We purée fresh seaweed with water and touch of organic lemon juice, producing an ingredient that is ready to use as soon as you open the jar”- Ocean’s Balance

You can spoon it into soups, sauces, stews, spreads, and smoothies for a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals and umami flavor.

Kelp Purée is ideal for Plant-based, Paleo, and Keto diets. With Ocean's Balance Kelp Purée, you don't have to change the way you cook to feel good about the food you eat. 

“Choosing what food you eat can be a daunting process. You want it to be healthy. You want it to taste good. And you want it produced in a way that’s gentle on the planet. What to choose? Ocean’s Balance line of innovative seaweed products is healthy for you and the planet, and they just happen to be delicious. We want to make it easy for you to include seaweed in your diet, as an ingredient in cooking, as a topping for avocado toast or right out of the bag”- Ocean’s Balance

It is time to Feel Good about the food you eat with Ocean's Balance!

* In partnership with our friends at Ocean's Balance* Photo courtesy of Ocean's Balance

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