How do you feel today?
Give your mood a mark out of ten with number one being the lowest point. Chances are that if you are writing down anything between 2 and 6 you have been eating crap again.
I keep saying this to my family and they snap back at me whilst they reach for quick fixes from the fridge.
I did the experiment a few years ago when I had been suffering from a period in my life where I had feelings of low esteem and really did not like myself for some reason or another. Every day I kept a food diary and at the top of the page I wrote a score depicting my mood.
Sometimes we rush through life not taking enough time to practice a little mindfullness. Before we blame a situation for example:- the kids are noisy or the car has broken down again, Just think about how you are dealing with that situation. Is it your reaction that is out of control?
There are times when we really can just take a deep breath and go with the flow and then there are other times when we cannot take anymore and just flip.
There are chemicals at work here and anyone who knows me will know that I am a great believer in that what we eat will also have an effect on what we feel.
From my food diary, I could see that red wine was making me grumpy the following day. when I ate too much bread and unhealthy processed carbohydrates I would feel bloated and lethargic which lead me to become irritable which also lead me to reach out for another quick sandwich for dinner instead of preparing something more nutritious. Then I discovered to my horror that my favourite snack, peanuts, apparently, the salted kind which I love can also be coated in MSG, an artificial flavouring which leads to depression, fatigue and can put you in a bad mood. My nuts are making me nuts.
(Roast your own nuts with a little rosemary and sea salt, OMG so delicious)
We have just started our 16 day Wellness challenge and the group I am working with all need some happy food to keep them in high spirits. We are doing high quality protein shakes to make sure we all get the balanced nutrition we need. That alone will be helpful in lifting our mood and keeping us in a positive state but I am suggesting these foods to be introduced in the hope we shall keep smiling.
Chocolate
Dark chocolate (So happy it makes me happy) the very taste of it can produce a near euphoric state in our brain. Contains protein and fibre and helps you stay positive. If you are like me though, try and avoid eating the whole packet. If you can buy it and have the odd square you are a super power person.
Berries
Great for vitamin C which helps cope with Cortisol, (Stress Hormone) Their colour and prettiness helps brighten your plate.
Beans
Lentils, black beans and lima beans. Rich in magnesium which promotes relaxation and calm.
Whole Fruits
I used to describe bananas as happy fruits to my kids when they were small because they were shaped like a smile. Apples and oranges contain vitamin C and fibre.
Fish
Did you know Omega 3 can help with alleviating anxiety.? So if you worry a lot make sure you add some mackerel, salmon, sardines and trout into your diet.
Fresh leafy greens
Kale contains magnesium which will moderate your mood, Eat plenty of spinach, also known to lift your mood
A nice cuppa
There is nothing quite like a warm cup of tea but try and stick to herbal varieties. Put your feet up, relax and relieve the stresses of your day.
