Sustenance of life, food is the source of strength and nourishment. Not only do I love the taste of food, but the look, the aroma, the texture, and the sounds associated with eating like a good snap, crunch, or “‘uumm” as its being consumed. I enjoy food thoroughly! Lucky for me, my dad was a terrific gardener and my mom was a wonderful cook, so they instilled in us from a very early age, the value of good food, healthy food.
Knowing what is good for me, doesn’t mean I always ate or eat what I should. Introduced to fast food in high school, I may have indulged in burgers and fries more than what was considered okay. College years meant eating on the cheap and convenience foods like pizza were high on my menu. Not always the best. After college, I spent six months as a strict vegan, then 22 years as a vegetarian, until I adopted a Paleo diet which I still follow today. When I feel the need for an even cleaner way of eating, I’ll commit to Whole 30 for a while.
Though these diets differ, what they have taught me is that eating well is good for my body, mind, and mood!
From my journal: October 3, 2016, Newbury Park, CA
“Read It Starts With Food by Dallas & Melissa Hartwig…reminds me that the most nutritious food has the most benefits…”
Now that the holiday season is here there are so many sweet temptations everywhere you look. Cookies, candy, and cakes, oh my! While these treats may taste good, consuming high-sugar, high-fat, and highly processed foods lead to feelings of anxiety and the blues. And with so many obligations this time of year, stress eating is common, so it can be challenging to stay upbeat and healthy. That’s why, particularly now, I make sure I’m eating enough of the good mood foods.
What are they? Good mood foods belong to different food groups, but have one thing in common. They all contain spirit lifting vitamins, minerals, and mood-regulating chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that can leave us feeling good all over! Ahhh!
Here are a few of my favorite happy foods!
Red, blue, and black morsels of sweetness, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants that have an anti-inflammatory effect which may decrease depression symptoms. So versatile, just drop a handful into smoothies, yogurt, and salads. Berry good!
I’m nuts about nuts, and I have a fondness for seeds, too. A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts, and seeds such as chia, pumpkin, and flaxseed provide added nutrition and crunchiness to just about anything. Sprinkle them over oatmeal, add to side dishes, or enjoy them as I do. Alone, or mixed in scrambled eggs…delish! Really. Try it!
“I’m strong to the finish ’cause I eats me spinach”. Like Popeye, I eat my spinach. It’s a “super” super green. Not only will it make you more robust, it’s rich in folate and this Vitamin B is good for boosting cognitive function. You never saw Popeye in a bad mood, did you?
I adore potatoes and even more so, sweet potatoes. Containing fiber and complex carbohydrates, they help to steady sugar levels which in turn stabilizes one’s mood. I most often roast or mash sweet potatoes, but they are scrumptious filled with sautéed veggies, too.
I’m not a fan of oily fish like mackerel or sardines, but I’ll gladly devour a grilled piece of salmon any day. All these fish are rich in omega-3s which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to be effective in treating depression sufferers. In addition to grilled salmon, I like to eat it in its purest form. Our favorite sushi bar serves thin pieces of salmon wrapped inside daikon slices sprinkled with scallions sitting in a vinegary sauce. Oishi!
Other uplifting foods include: dark chocolate, oatmeal, avocados, beans, poultry, bananas, and eggs so there is much to choose from based on your type of diet and preferences. Yay for us! Packed with positive mind enhancing nutrients, the next time you feel your spirits waning, head to your pantry or fridge and reach for some good mood foods. Chances are they’ll give you just the pick-me-up you’re looking for!
A Journal Journey 