The food you eat not only affects the body but also your emotions and brain. Sophie Scott, an Australian writer and inventor of the theory of food and emotion, wrote in her book that “what you eat has a huge impact on your state of mind, affecting the production of brain hormones and whether we feel sad, happy or stressed”. Scott also addressed some of the ways you could do to improve your emotion, body figure and happiness.
1. Include colorful vegetables and fruits in your meal
Dark green spinach, red bell pepper and blueberry would be a good start. These vegetables and fruits contain abundant nutrients and antioxidants including vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Nutritionists recommend that vegetables should contribute to 5 portions of your entire dietary intake whereas 2 portions should be attributed to fruits.
2. Good snack combines protein and carbohydrate
Eating protein raises the levels of 2 hormones in the brain that promote alertness and improve concentration. Try changing your snacks to low fat yogurt (protein) topped with diced apples (carbohydrate) or a piece of whole wheat bread (carbohydrate) with peanut butter spread (protein).
3. Be mindful with what you eat
Eat small portions but more frequently to stabilize your blood sugar level. Keep each meal no more than 3 hours apart. Eat slowly and enjoyably. Did you notice that the last bite of your dessert does not usually taste as good as the first? So, limit your favorite dessert to maintain good health.
4. Choose good cholesterol over bad one
Consuming small amount of olive oil and other oil that contains monounsaturated fatty acid (such as avocado oil) does not cause blood clot in arteries. They will instead improve your health. Nuts, grains and avocado are also rich in unsaturated fat.
5. Drink a lot of water
If you feel tired or not as fresh as you should be, you may be dehydrated. Always carry a bottle of water with you, at the office, at home or even in your car. Make a habit of drinking water.
6. Some dark chocolate is good
Many of us eat chocolate to encourage good mood. This practice is consistent to numerous research findings that chocolate lightens our emotions. Dark chocolate increases the release of endorphin, our happy hormone, and serotonin, our relax hormone. A square of 70% dark chocolate is good but too much can be unhealthy because of the saturated fat that comes along.
Did you know?
Green tea can also promote good mood. Green tea has less caffeine than coffee and is very rich in antioxidants which reduce the risk of developing heart and cardiovascular diseases.
*The book ‘Road testing happiness’ by Sophie Scott is published by ABC Books and distributed by Harper Collins Too much is bad and not enough isn’t good. So eat sufficiently for perfect health and good mood.
And, always pay attention to nutrition by supplying yourself natural vitamin complex to help your body fight against free radicals.
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