Eating your way to happiness may not really be possible, but there are foods that should definitely help improve your mood.
Comfort Foods
Not only are we familiar with the term “comfort food”, we also know which foods we run to when we are feeling stressed, depressed or otherwise emotionally challenged.
There are a couple of reasons that these particular foods are thought of as comforting. First, they usually remind us of a special time or person. My grandmother used to make homemade applesauce. Now, when I make it, I not only enjoy the applesauce itself, but I am reminded of a very happy time with my grandmother. That memory brings me comfort.
Secondly, foods act on the brain chemistry to improve, among other things, our mood. The chemicals in the brain (called neurotransmitters) that have the most to do with mood include serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Very simply, serotonin is a calming and relaxing chemical; dopamine and norepinephrine are responsible for alertness, excitement, action and mental acuity.
A Little Chemistry
Many of the foods we turn to when we are stressed or feeling blue actually stimulate the neurotransmitters and help adjust the chemical balance in our brains to help us feel better. For example, if a person was feeling down, eating a banana could help since bananas encourage the production serotonin as well as dopamine. I personally have found that a handful of chocolate covered almonds can help alleviate an otherwise losing battle with depression.
Obviously, treatment of clinical depression should be left to professionals; but, knowing what foods can help boost your mood can be a valuable tool for everyone.
My Favorite Mood Enhancing Foods
Follows is a list of my personal favorite mood enhancing foods:
- Chocolate covered almonds: Almonds help increase dopamine levels and chocolate stimulates the release of serotonin. Of course, dark chocolate is preferred.
- Whole wheat bagels, toasted: Complex carbohydrates help raise the levels of serotonin.
- Avocados: Avocados increase the levels of dopamine and healthy vegetable fats increase endorphine (feel good chemical) levels.
- Oatmeal: For the same reason as the bagel-increase of serotonin levels from Complex Carbohydrates.
Basic Mood Enhancing Food Guidelines
Since everyone doesn't enjoy the same foods as I do, here are some guidelines to help you eat your way to happiness.
- Complex Carbohydrates. These foods raise the levels of serotonin in the brain giving you a calm and relaxed feeling. Look for whole grains, brown rice, fruit, high fiber cereal, potatoes.
- Fats. Vegetable fats increase endorphine levels. Healthy fat food include olive oil, almonds and avocados. Omega 3 foods include salmon, lobster, shrimp, walnuts.
- Proteins. Protein helps stimulate the production of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
