Read it on the blog:
https://www.thekewlshop.com/blogs/news/food-and-life-can-you-eat-yourself-happier
Can we eat ourselves happier? Yes, there is evidence that what we eat has an impact on our mental health and moods.
However, the food that we often eat to boost our mood is not always the type that makes us happier.
Chocolates, ice creams, candy bars, or savory comfort options are highly processed and calorie-dense.
They don't give us the nourishment we need, which means we're not getting happier, only unhealthier.
And they often leave us feeling guilty.
Years of consuming a poor diet can be very harmful to our physical and our mental health.
The Gut-happiness Connection
Surprisingly, a lot of our mental issues originate from the gut. We know that problems with our stomach can lead to anxiety and mental anguish.
When we don't take care of our gut microbes, we allow all kinds of harmful pathogens to enter our bodies.
And this makes us feel all kinds of unhappy – ill, moody, tired, irritable, and overall, rather unhealthy.
Here are the things we can do to keep our gut, and consequently our bodies and minds, happy.
First - What not to eat
Here's a brief list of the foods you should try to avoid, or at least limit their intake:
Saturated fats – found in fast foods, snacks, and items you know are not right for you but still eat because they taste good.
Added sugar – found in beverages and plenty of snacks, most often artificial sweeteners.
Processed cereals – like white bread and refined breakfast cereals.
Processed meats – such as salami and processed sausages.
Excessive alcohol – try to limit your alcohol intake to a reasonable amount.
Here's what to eat more of:
Carbs - There's nothing wrong with carbs; they are the fuel that our body turns into glucose, which is what we mostly run on.
But aim for carbs that provide a slow, steady burn, those with a low glycemic index such as:
Fresh fruit, legumes, sweet potato, rolled oats, wholegrain bread, milk, and yogurt.
Healthy fats - Fats are not the devil. Our body needs fat to survive. However, eat the right kind.
Focus on eating more omega-3 fatty acids, like, fish such as sardines, tuna, anchovies, salmon, and herring.
Also, add these healthy-eating treats to your diet:
Berries, rich in antioxidants and magnesium, essential for sleep and lowering your stress levels.
Chilies, contain a substance called capsaicin, which causes your body to release good-feeling endorphins.
Vanilla, but it has to be real vanilla. Vanilla boosts endorphin release putting you in a more relaxed mood.
Dark chocolate, because it triggers the release of serotonin, a feel-good hormone.
Eggs are rich in nourishment. They keep your blood sugar levels stable and provide a nourishing meal.
Oats because it keeps you energized and won't upset your glucose levels. But only unprocessed rolled oats with no added sugar.
Brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts are full of healthy fats and protein. But they are al
