The food you eat can have a massive impact on your overall mood and mindset, based upon the chemicals they release inside you.
Similarly to exercise, food can have a beneficial effect on the regulation of your body’s dopamine and serotonin levels.
Serotonin is your ‘feel good’ hormone which also promotes quality sleep, whereas dopamine regulates your feelings of motivation, reward and attention!
Check out these 6 foods that boost serotonin below…
1. Probiotics
Nearly 90 % of all your serotonin is produced in the gut, so it would make sense that keeping your gut happy will have a positive effect on your own mood. Supporting this, poor sleep patterns and anxiety have both been linked to a poor diet in adults.
You can improve your gut health by including probiotics and prebiotics in your everyday diet. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts (not as disgusting as they sound) that are easily consumed in dairy products such as yoghurt.
Prebiotics promote good gut bacteria and are found in complex carbohydrates such as oats, most green vegetables and bananas.
If you struggle with including these types of foods in your diet, then our Gut Love supplements are a great way to look after your digestive system.
2. Complex Carbs
Complex carbohydrates play an even larger role in both your physical and cognitive well being than just promoting a healthy gut!
Found in all vegetables, many fruits and wholegrain pastas, rice and breads, complex carbohydrates release sugar into your body slowly, whereas simple carbohydrates (Heavily processed foods such as white rice, French fries, baked potatoes, chocolate and sweets) are broken down and absorbed much more rapidly.
This rapid absorption leads to a spike and subsequent drop in blood sugar and insulin release which negatively impacts your mood and also causes you to feel hungry soon after (often why once you start, you can’t stop eating sweets!).
In contrast, complex carbohydrates negate this spike and drop, keeping your mood balanced and keeping you feeling fuller for longer!
3. Eggs
Eggs themselves are an excellent inclusion in any healthy diet as they not only provide B vitamins but also include healthy fats! Despite the notion that fatty foods should be avoided at all costs to maintain a healthy, happy lifestyle, dietary fat does have its place!
Healthy fats facilitate greater absorption of these vitamins that promote health and improved well being. Additionally, studies have shown that low fat diets can increase daily feelings of anger and hostility, so be sure to include some fat in your diet!
Incorporate eggs into your diet with tasty dishes like this Breakfast Omelette or the Ultimate Scrambled Eggs.
4. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a fantastic way to increase serotonin levels. It contains tryptophan and increases endorphin production, resulting in a happy sensation that can improve your mood.
So, if you feel pleased after eating a piece of chocolate, it is not your imagination. Cacao in chocolate is also high in magnesium, which aids in brain function and mood enhancement.
So when you’re feeling down, it’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to that bar of chocolate you’ve been craving.
5. Salmon
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats not only benefit heart health but also play a crucial role in supporting optimal brain function.
Omega 3 aids with the communication of serotonin and dopamine hormones to the brain, and zinc deficiencies have previously been linked with low mood states in young women.
Check out this salmon with Israeli cous cous recipe for inspiration.
6. Spinach
A lot of people struggle with fitting enough magnesium into their diets and aren’t aware of its advantages and how simple it is to incorporate into their diet.
Spinach is a bright leafy green that is not only high in magnesium but also high in iron, vitamin B, and folate, all of which are essential for brain function.
Spinach promotes the creation of dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. So, if you’re looking for a mood boost, don’t neglect leafy greens.
They’re adaptable, and may be used into smoothies, omelettes, salads, or combined with other serotonin-boosting meals. Pair salmon with spinach for a delectable combination.
The Take Home
Incorporating these serotonin-boosting foods into your diet can significantly enhance your mood and overall well-being.
The importance of protein should not be understated either, as it provides the building blocks for all your bodily functions and allows your brain to regulate your thoughts and feelings.
Protein keeps you feeling fuller than any other macronutrient, contributing to a positive mindset though periods of weight loss.
By making simple, delicious choices, you’re taking a proactive step towards a happier, healthier you. Start enjoying the benefits today!
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