We all know eating healthy foods is a good way to stay in peak form. But, some people stray from a healthy diet because they don’t necessarily enjoy eating items considered “good for you” foods. (Tofutti anyone?)
The other day I was listening to a radio show that featured a dietician who claimed that “good mood” foods were just as important for people as “good for you” foods. She said these so-called “good mood” foods enable you to go from down in the dumps to the top of your game in just a few bites.
So, what are “good mood” foods? According to experts, they are foods that lift your mood by giving you better mental energy and focus. For example, if you have been run ragged all day and your kids are begging you to join in a game of tag, but you simply don’t have the physical or mental energy to keep up with them, according to the dietician, if you gobble down some “good mood” food you should have the energy to run laps around your little tikes. The premise behind the diet rich in “good mood” foods is to feed your brain the items it needs to work best.
Here’s how the diet breaks down:
According to the dietician, you are supposed to start with three servings of dairy a day. That’s because studies show dairy products are high in an amino acid called Tryptophan, which raises a neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin. Doctors say seratonin is key for mental well being.
Moving on. If you are under a lot of stress and suffer from headaches during the day, the dietician recommends popping a handful of nuts for a quick protein burst. And, if you are looking for a midday energy boost, experts suggest injecting your diet with berries, veggies and other high fiber foods. These are the types of foods doctors say will help keep your blood sugar and your mood more stable. I’m sure we can all attest that when our blood sugar levels stay even all day we feel better.
The other recommendation the radio dietician had was to stay away from “bad mood” foods. I’m sure you can figure out what those include. That’s right. Alcohol, caffeine, deep fried foods, and anything made with refined sugars.
I suppose it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you will likely not be at the top of your game if you down a meal of onion rings and whoppers.
Is your diet rich in “good mood” foods?
Related Articles:
Cancer Prevention—Five Foods You Want To Put In Your Shopping Cart
Sausage and Waffles-The Keys To A Long Life?
How Much Do You Know About The Chicken You Eat?
Confessions Of A Reformed Salt Addict