Anyone that knows me knows how important I think vibrations are! Whether it's the vibes you give off or the vibes you are drawn towards or repelled by, vibrations affect everything we are. We're like two-way radios, receiving and interpreting vibrations from around us, and we're also creating and sending vibrations out into the world. High Frequency Foods and Mood Even though Einstein proved it, I'm not really surprised at the lack of empirical research into the vibrational frequency of foods! There is research supporting the effects of food and mood, and there is evidence-based research out there that shows the relationship between eating more plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables and their positive affect on mental health. So I suppose, when you know, you know and you don't need science to prove it to you! How does this relate to the frequency of foods? There are also all kinds of studies showing that people who eat more fruits and vegetables reported a higher state of mental well-being. Also, in 2017, there was a study that supported the relationship between the mood levels of satisfaction and happiness and the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten during the week - like I said, that dopamine party for your cells! On the flip side, the evidence of the harmful effects to our health linked to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is growing. One study even shows that eating high amounts of UPFs - particularly those with artificial sweeteners-may increase the risk of developing depression and other serious conditions! Source So many people are now realising that when they eat nutrient-poor, unbalanced, processed food, their energetic vibration is just off. So it makes sense to me that when you instead feed your body with more nutrient-dense, colourful, fresh foods and wholesome foods, your body’s cells just go crazy with joy! I think they go “Ooh Monsieur, with these wholesome foods you are spoiling us - the kind of foods I need to live my best life!" I personally think they celebrate and throw a bit of a party! It’s a high vibrating dopamine party for the cells, and your mind and your soul are invited too. And that's why you feel joy right down to a cellular level, in your mood in your thinking and of course in your vibrational frequency! These are my Top 12 foods for getting your food party started, as well as some some suggestions for alternative ways to get them into you. 1. Green Leafy Veggies, especially the dark ones Lettuces, kale, cavolo-nero, rocket, cabbage, broccoli, chard, spinach, sprouts etc., are bursting with high vibration energy. Because they literally “grow toward the sun" you’re literally eating the energy-giving life force of the sun. Greens are such a great way to increase your body’s vibrations as their energy is “almost pure sunlight.” So, you know how the sun likes to hide from us in the UK, whatever the season! Well, in the winter, especially eating your greens gives your body that boost of vitamins C and A. If you really can't bear leafy veggies, a great alternative for you is to fill up on other dark green powerhouse foods like super green powders and adaptogens (adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing). You can buy these are powder blends at health shops or online. They're basically dried and concentrated green veggies like I've listed above, but with added bonuses like moringa, green tea, spirulina, chlorella etc. Many brands are also organic, free from gluten, dairy, artificial sweeteners and anything else that shouldn't be there. 2. Fresh Berries Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackcurrants, Goji berries, cranberries etc. are also full of good vibes, and nature's candy - natural sweetness. All fresh fruits are fabulous and will boost your vibration, but berries are at the top of my list for a few reasons. They’re low in sugar which is great for people struggling with unbalanced blood sugar. They’re also super high in antioxidants, which have lots of benefits, including helping to boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Fresh berries can often be more expensive, and also come sprayed with chemicals. Opt for organic and you're paying even more. But just like with the dark green leafies, you can get the many benefits of berries in powder form. Try to choose a brand that is organic, and free of anything else that shouldn't be there. This is often a less expensive way to get the benefits of organic berries without the usual price tag. Although, you don't get the much-needed fibrous parts of the fruits, single or multi-berry juices are also a great way to get their benefits. 3. Sprouts Did you know you can sprout almost any seed, bean or grain. It’s easy to do and as you don’t need hectares of space, you can do them right in your kitchen! You can find loads of inexpensive sprouting kits online. I use one like in the image above that I bought online. Sprouts are super high in protein (up to 35% of a sprout is protein) and rich in enzymes which help your body do all of the amazing stuff your body does. They’re also full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Sprouting also gives beans, seeds and grains an extra health boost by neutralizing the phytic acid in these foods. Phytic acid is an element that binds with nutrients so that your body can’t access them! So basically, the seed is Clark Kent and the sprouted seed is Superman – I love that analogy! 4. Fresh Herbs Herbs are some of my favourite high vibrational foods! Not only do fresh herbs make our food taste fantastic which boosts your enjoyment and energetic vibration while you eat anyway, but many of them have powerful healing properties. Many of these benefits have been proven by science, and I think that you can feel them when you tune in to mindfully eating your food! For example, coriander or cilantro as it’s known in the Americas, is an excellent detoxifier while rosemary has lots of great antioxidants. And one of my favourite Italian herbs, oregano has a natural oil that supports health with its antimicrobials, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. 5. Spices Jamaicans and spice - go together like a horse and carriage! Growing up in a Afro-Caribbean household means you're never far from a spice - anywhere in the house! For thousands of years people have been using spices as a delicious way to raise the energetic vibration of food. Turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, black pepper and cayenne are just a few spices that are full of powerful healing properties, and they can help with everything from digestion to blood sugar balance and even arthritis! Many spices are also very rich in colour, which means they make great natural colourings. I use tumeric for example to naturally add a deep yellow colour to my Vegan Lemon Curd Cheesecake. I also love the many ancient and current ways in which spices have been used outside of the kitchen too. From embalming, to insomnia cures to insect repellants, spices are the masters of Mamma Nature's larder! 6. Beans & Legumes Beans and legumes are great sources of plant-based protein, making them a great addition to a high-vibrational diet. They're full of fibre and folate, and research shows they can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, there's such a wide variety of ways you can eat them. For some hearty, plant-based protein, I love adding beans to my many favorite soups or stews. Then there's the classic hummus - can never get enough of that! I love the four-beans mixed salads you can get in tins from the supermarket. I add some sweetcorn, chopped peppers and/or onions, herbs, spices and a tablespoon of flaxseed or other plant-oil and I've got me a colourful, protein-rich lunch! I often swap out rice and pasta for quinoa and large cous cous too. It fills you up same way, but without the carbs and you get the added nutrients and fibre. You can even use the canned water that chickpeas come in. Know as aquafaba, can use it to lighten desserts and mousses and make plant-based meringues. 7. Nuts & Seeds Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds also make the list of high vibration foods for plenty of reasons. Not only are they a great source of protein and fibre, but they also contain healthy fats like omega 3s that your body (and especially your brain) need to function properly. There's a reason why nuts feature heavily in things like my cheesecake fillings and bases and my No-bake energy Balls. There's an abundance of really easy recipes online for making your own raw nuts and seeds bars too. They're a great, healthy mid-morning or afternoon snack for adults and children, which with all their protein and fibre, should keep your cravings for doo doo at bay. This is one of the reasons why I love adding an omega seed mix to my Fully Loaded Flapjacks. 8. Blue Green Algae Yes, I’m suggesting you eat algae...but don’t be afraid! Blue green algae’s like moringa, green tea, spirulina, macha and chlorella are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet which make them super high vibration! You can buy them as a dried multi-blend online, or in tea bags at your health food shop or all the major supermarkets sell them. Add them to smoothies, or your juices, sprinkle over your salads, or (if you can’t handle the taste) you can get them in tablet form. Just like spices, blue green algaes are great for naturally colouring desserts. I use organic macha powder to colour my Luscious Lime Cheesecake. 9. Fermented foods When I say ‘fermented foods’, I'm referring to those that preserve the "gut friendly" bacteria from the fermentation process which can be used by our bodies to improve our gut health. Foods like sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, organic miso, kimchi and kombucha. This is different from pickling by the way, which relies on heat - fermentation involves no heat, so the good bacteria aren’t killed. There's no denying the importance of gut health to our overall health and well-being. In fact, a large part of our immune system is related to gut health. Our gut (digestive system) is home to a whole ecosystem of bacteria. Some are “good” and help your body stay healthy and others are “bad” and – if allowed to overgrow – can contribute to many poor health conditions like allergies, eczema, joint pain, fibromyalgia, depression and even cancer. The great news is that you can easily eat your way to improved gut immunity by getting naturally fermented foods into your diet! A spoonful of apple cider vinegar at breakfast (organic and with the mother), some sauerkraut with your sandwich at lunch, and a cup of miso tea before dinner are just some of the ways you can start slowing without it seeming like too much effort. You can also very easily make your own sauerkraut like I do with just a large clip lid jar from Ikea and one organic cabbage. 10. Teas I took me a while to get here, but now I love teas! Growing up we were served up the big brand ones or the bush tea a relative would bring back from Jamaica, neither of which I enjoyed to be honest. These days I love teas! I think they're loaded with powerful antioxidants, natural healing and health-promoting properties that make them one of the best very high vibration foods! Green and white teas are full of powerful anti-oxidants to support your immune system and fight inflammation. Herbal teas like chamomile, valerian and passionflower are calming and can help you relax and sleep better. Some other teas like lemon balm, passionflower, and tulsi can help to calm you, which ends up protecting your energetic field. Teas like licquorice, neem and slimline teas are also great for cleansing. Teas are one of the easiest ways of improving your vibration and health in my opinion. You know you're supposed to drink a target amount of water every day, right! So, just swap out some of your cups of water for cups of teas - simples! 11. Beetroot The humble beetroot, which when I was growing up I only ever ate pickled in vinegar in jars! It's recently been given the plant power limelight by the late Dr. Michael Mosley, who on his Channel 4 show, raved about it's many of benefits. According to Dr. Mosley, these red jewels benefits extend beyond the kitchen. Rich in nitrates, the vegetable when ingested, is converted into nitric oxide, a compound that improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attacks or strokes. The doctor's claims are not unfounded. Multiple clinical trials have shown that beetroot can indeed reduce blood pressure and enhance athletic performance. The increased blood flow facilitated by beetroot, Dr. Mosley suggests, could also help keep the brain younger. Apart from the juice, other beetroot products such as beetroot hummus and jarred beetroot have also seen a spike in sales. As I've re-discovered it in it's more natural form, I love to roast organic beetroot with my other root vegetables and add it to my smoothies. I even use a tiny amount as a natural colouring in my Dark Chocolate covered Rose & Pistachio Dates. I love juicing it too. As the colour is so deep, I make it into a "Ribena substitute" by mixing it with pineapple juice for natural sweetness and topping it up with spring or sparkling mineral water. 12. The Sweet Potato Growing up in a Jamaican household, I find it quite amusing that It’s so common place now to be offered oven-baked, skinny sweet potatoes as an alternative to friesh - have you also noticed that? Lucky for me I've always know that because they’re grown in the ground, sweet potatoes, just like beetroots, offer grounding energy while raising your vibration! Did you know that just one sweet potato gives you 102% of the vitamin A you need each day?! This helps keep your eyes healthy as well as your immune system, your body's defense against viruses and germs! It's also good for your reproductive system and organs like your heart and kidneys. Research has also found that the dietary fiber in sweet potatoes is good for gut health. One study found that the dietary fiber in sweet potatoes can even act as a prebiotic. Sweet potatoes are also high in beta-carotene and are one of the only plant foods that supply biotin. Your body needs biotin to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Good news - sweet potatoes are another easy food to include in your diet. I often sub white potatoes for them in things like fries, wedges, roasties and mashed potato. I also add them to my soups to naturally thicken them, add them roasted and cubed to buddha bowls, and one of my fave recipes is a mushroom and sweet potato risotto! Remember – sometimes It’s not just about the food! Let me leave you with this thought - food can actually be the easy part!
The hard part about raising your vibrationn can be the emotional and mental stuff that gets in the way! You know how we can be manipulated into voting certain ways, or looking at the world in certain ways, by the fear-based main stream media, and social media algorithms. Have you ever thought about why they’re called that? Look at the second part of that word; rhythms, i.e. vibrations! All this kind of noise which can in turn set up unhealthy patterns and habits for us around food and the way we look at the world around us and ourselves. For example, eating when we’re stressed, bored, tired, emotional, anxious or just having cravings for things that aren't great for us. In my opinion we can’t just change your diet without changing ourselves! To work towards being truly happier and healthier we need to nourish our mind, body AND soul. That can mean looking at our wok/life balance, the amount of stress we let into our life, getting enough exercise and plenty of relaxation etc. So, whatever journey you go on to make that change, I salute you for taking that first step and I wish you an abundance of joy and resiliance on your travels! Please Note: Some of these foods can interact negatively with certain medications. So always make sure to speak to your GP before adding more of them into your diet.
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