5 FABULOUS FOODS THAT MAKE US HAPPY
Hello everyone and welcome to 2022!
There has always been a direct relationship between the food we consume and the way we feel. We’ve all heard the adage, “we are what we eat.” Indeed, some foods make us feel heavy and bloated. Some make us sluggish and tired. Yet, some make us feel energized and happy, and ready to take on the world. So, exactly how does this work?
Well, our overall mental health is dependent on our brain and the way it manufactures neurotransmitters. Some neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine help calm our minds and promote feelings of peace and wellbeing. These mood-enhancing chemical reactions can be triggered by many things, including certain foods, which are often referred to as “happy foods.”
So, let’s examine this notion of “mood and food” and 5 fabulous culinary choices that can lead us happily into the New Year.
EGGS
This simple everyday staple contains wonderful mood-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, B vitamins and protein. An egg in itself is a well-balanced meal that’s also a rich source of L-tryptophan, which increases our brain’s production of endorphins. These “happy hormones” help fight depression, boost our mood and improve our mental outlook. Moreover, including eggs in our dietary plan will help satiate our hunger while keeping our weight in check.
NUTS
Just a handful of nuts a day can do wonders for our mood and mental health. For example, walnuts, almonds, pecans, and pistachios all contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are the healthy good fats that help lubricate our neural pathways and smooth out our mood. Nuts also contain antioxidants which fight disease and illness, including some types of cancer. And nuts are loaded with minerals like magnesium and potassium, which protect our mental health by increasing our levels of the feel-good chemicals, serotonin and dopamine.
YOGURT
This easy, go-to snack is a popular choice for many people. Of course, it’s a wonderful source of protein. But its probiotic benefits also improve digestion and keep our gut healthy. This allows our gut to work in concert with our brain and once again increase the production of serotonin and dopamine. And as we know, these feel-good chemicals help fight depression, reduce feelings of stress and lower our levels of anxiety.
SALMON
Salmon is one of the healthiest and most flavorful foods of the sea. This fish is packed with protein, selenium, potassium and antioxidants, all of which keep us energized and mentally alert. Salmon also is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation, enhance memory function, protect brain health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. And if you can’t find salmon, mackerel and sardines also are excellent sources of omega-3s, which tremendously help to boost our mood and reduce our stress.
CHOCOLATE
There’s no doubt about it. Eating chocolate makes us happy. First, it’s loaded with antioxidants that keep us healthy and productive. Second, chocolate contains the compound phenylethylamine or PEA, which increases the brain’s production of those wonderful mood-altering endorphins. And endorphins, of course, put us in a “loving” frame of mind and keep depression at bay. Finally, the darker the chocolate, the greater the health benefit, so choose chocolate that has at least a sixty-percent cocoa content.
Happy foods always make for a happy mood and for much needed peace of mind. It’s nice to know that just by eating certain foods we can help maintain a positive attitude and remain in good humor, especially during times of chaos, confusion, crisis and change.
I hope this New Year brings us all a sense of peace and a new beginning filled with hope and gratitude. Thanks for joining me everyone and until next time, stay safe, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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