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Food and mood
It isn’t known for sure whether certain foods are directly responsible for making us happy or sad, but it’s pretty clear what we eat affects our mood indirectly through its impact on both our energy levels and our brain’s ability to function.
Basically, the better we feed our body, the better it’s able to work… and the happier we are as a result! Here are some things to consider if you want to max your mood!
Blood glucose levels.
Eating a lot of refined, sugary food creates a ‘high’, that’s often followed by a ‘crash’. Complex carbs like those found in wholegrain bread, pasta, rice, oats, potatoes and other low GI vegetables release energy at a slower rate, so we’re likely to feel calmer and more satisfied after eating them.
Tip: Eating regularly (every three to four hours), throughout the day will help keep your blood glucose levels stable, and boost your mood!
Serotonin
Serotonin is one of several chemicals called ‘neurotransmitters’ that affect our mood, as well as our brain’s ability to function at its best. Carbohydrates, protein and Omega-3 essential fatty acids (found in foods like walnuts, avocado and oily fish like salmon and sardines), all boost serotonin.
Did you know? Restrictive dieting can actually affect our brain chemistry - not to mention lower our energy levels. If you’re feeling irritable or anxious, your body might be asking for good fuel!
B vitamins and folate
These guys also help maintain the body’s production of neurotransmitters, and deficiencies can actually put us at risk of developing depression. Potatoes, salmon, chicken, spinach and bananas are good sources of vitamin B6, meat, eggs and most dairy products of vitamin B12 and strawberries, spinach, broccoli, oranges, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas etc.) and wholegrains are good sources of folate.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient we usually get from exposure to sunlight, although it’s also found in some fish (like salmon, sardines and tuna), eggs, fortified milk and other fortified foods. Among other things, it’s thought to increase levels of serotonin in the brain - so if you can’t find a patch of sunlight, boost your diet with vitamin D rich foods or talk to your doctor about taking a supplement.
At the end of the day, nothing screams ‘happiness!’ more than a great meal with family or friends - if you’re feeling low a good feed with your buddies could be just what you need!
Article by Sarah Illingworth. Who is Sarah? Find out here and meet the rest of the 24/7 Girl team too. And don’t forget to check out Sarah’s blog here!
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anything makes me happy whether it be food , friends , family. totally random things i love :D but…. i have to admit chocolate is th best personally. Posted by dreeamsandhope "on" 06/22 "at"05:28 PM |
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I ont care what anyone says, choc does so make me happy, hahaha, so does natural yoghurt mind you, lol Posted by tkennard "on" 08/09 "at"01:07 PM |
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Mood food, hmmm….. totally need to take note of these tips:) Posted by Sugaax! "on" 08/08 "at"01:45 AM |
Best of the rest
