Mood Food

I was at a loss for new topics for this blog and i asked Coach V to give me a topic. And he said write about being healthy. And he's right! Having "food" in the title of my blog, it's just apt that I should write about them. So here's the first of i don't know how many...

We all have mood swings, some more than the others. And most of us turn to food when we got the blues, right? And when those blues do not easily go away, the more we eat. But what not many of us know is that what we eat can help affect how we feel. We are what we eat, so they say. So what food will put you in a good mood?

SPACED OUT?

If you are having a hard time concentrating and it feels like your mind is all mush, try to snack on some protein-rich food. Some low-cal cheese, yogurt, low-fat milk or skinless chicken can help you think clearly in no time.

NEED A LIFT?

What is the one food that is sure to lift up your spirits? CHOCOLATE! It may even be the one thing that can solve world peace. The ability of chocolate to make us feel better is not just in our minds. The fat, sugar and high amount of tryptophan found in chocolates work together to raise serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain and the end result is...happiness! But it doesn't mean you should eat all the chocolate you can buy. Keep it in check by only eating those with less fat. They may be hard to find, but they are out there!

MOOD SWINGS?

Does your mood go from one end of the spectrum to the other in a heartbeat? You only need to drink water to solve that problem. Dehydration plays a big role in your emotional stability. So, go drink those 8-10 glasses of water and you'll be swinging on trees in no time!

LAZY DAISY?

Feeling tired all the time? Would rather sleep than go out with your friend? A simple omelet can cure you of that.  Eggs are a great source of zinc, a substance that makes you feel more awake, energized and engaged by helping regulate your blood sugar.

WIRED?

Stressed, nervous, anxious or just feeling as if you had an overdose of caffeine? If going to a spa and having a massage is not an option, calm your nerves with some skim milk or a handful of almonds. Both foods are rich in calcium, and calcium is great for reducing anxiety and making you feel calm and relaxed.

SNACK HAPPY?

Strawberries may just be the other form of Prozac, which is used treat major depressive disorders. Folate-rich foods, like strawberries, cause a boost in serotonin levels in the brain, much like antidepressants do. So the next time you're feeling depressed, go to Baguio and pick your own strawberries to snack on.

TEMPER TANTRUMS?

Angry at your bf / gf / hubby / wifey/ bff / the whole world? Grab for a grapefruit, some grapes, an apple or some carrots! All these foods are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that lowers blood cholesterol. Another plus? When you're angry, your body kicks into fight-or-flight mode, causing your heart rate, adrenaline levels and blood pressure to increase. But pectin reverses these effects and helps your system return to normal. 

Whatever mood you are in, food is definitely the best thing to keep you company...just choose the right one.