01/11/2013 00:45
Monday, December 31, 2012
Improve your mood with food
Is there a connection between the foods you eat and how you feel? While it is still too early to say that there exists a definite food-mood connection, evidence suggests that making some changes to your usual diet will ultimately affect your energy level and mood. So, if you are feeling a little bit sluggish and irritable these past few days, you may want to try altering your diet to see if it can really help boost your spirits. Are you ready to learn more about this now? If you are, then let's get started!
Foods that Can Boost Your Energy and Uplift Your Mood
Whole grains. Despite what low-carb dieters say, carbohydrates remain to be the body's most preferred source of fuel. In addition, good carbs such as whole wheat bread, oats and brown rice contain significant amounts of serotonin, the 'feel-good' hormone. These foods have a low glycemic index (GI) and are absorbed more slowly by your system thereby keeping your blood sugar and energy level stable.
Tip: Stay away from sweets. They contain empty calories that may cause your blood sugar to spike, leaving you feeling tired and lethargic all throughout the day.
Lean meat. Lean meat contains rich amounts of tyrosine, an amino acid that boosts the production of two brain chemicals (dopamine and norepinephrine) that function to keep you more alert and focused. These foods also contain vitamin B12 which helps prevent insomnia and depression.
Fatty fish. Heart-friendly fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain significant amounts of omega-3 EFAs and vitamin D. These nutrients join forces to enhance the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin in the brain.
Nuts. Almonds, cashew, hazelnuts and walnuts are rich sources of magnesium, a mineral that facilitates the conversion of sugar into energy. On the other hand, Brazil nuts contain significant amounts of selenium, a trace mineral that is quite effective in preventing the symptoms of anxiety, depression and irritability.
Bananas. Bananas contain tryptophan, a mood boosting and sleep promoting nutrient. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin B6 which is responsible for converting tryptophan into serotonin. Now, do you see how bananas can be quite effective in lifting your mood?
Leafy greens. Now, here's another good reason why you should eat your greens – it can significantly help lift your moods! So, start filling your plate with spinach, romaine lettuce, chard and kale. These folate-rich foods can definitely make you feel good.
Citrus fruits. There are a lot of reasons why you should love citrus fruits. They contain high amounts of vitamin C which helps pump oxygen to your brain and body to keep you from feeling fatigued, depressed and irritated. Vitamin C also helps in the proper absorption of iron, a nutrient that enhances your energy.
Eating the right kinds of foods can help you feel good and energized all throughout the day. Are you ready to try a little experiment to see if they really work? Well, you've got everything to gain and nothing to lose so why don't you give it a try?
