For years, society has turned a blind eye to the philosophy that what you eat contributes to who you are. The statement may sound harsh, and although it’s not meant as a statement to upset you, it is one that requires an expansion of the mind.

Many of us think we are eating “healthy foods” because the label on the box tells you what is in the package is good for you. However, once you read the label, you find a different story. I’ve written a bit about this in the past. I won’t go off on that tangent today. Today I want to give you a little overview of how some foods can help you live a good life.

I’ve been spending a lot of time learning about Ayurvedic medicine, that being the medicine of food. I’ve learned much about the dosha’s and how what you eat, and when you eat has a big impact on how you digest food, if the food you eat doesn’t digest, and how that undigested food can cause dis-ease in the body.

I won’t spend this post discussing the practice of Ayurveda. I just wanted to give you an idea of what food can do for health. Both physical and mental. We will focus on how the following foods can make you “happy”. They can boost your mood and help you have a better day.

Asparagus

Asparagus are a good source of tryptophan, which increases serotonin levels. We’ve learned how serotonin regulates brain functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. When your serotonin levels are low, you may experience anxiety, depression or moodiness..

Fruits And Vegetables

We all remember our parents telling us to eat our fruits and veggies so we can grow up big and strong. They weren’t wrong.  They are both loaded with B vitamins. These B vitamins are responsible for mood and increased energy levels. You may not be aware of the meany varieties of B vitamins found in produce. Some examples are:

• B2 is found in spinach and mushrooms
• B3 is in avocados
• B6 is in bananas
• B9 is in broccoli

Antioxidants found in our arsenal of fruits and veggies keep our cells healthy and able to ward off disease..

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omegas are tricky. You must be diligent and find clean sources of these acids. Some sources of Omega 3’s are:

• Salmon,
• sardines,
• tuna and
• shrimp

Our bodies don’t produce these omega’s so we must get them through the food we eat. I always question these statements and reserve the right to change my mine. As I research further, I could learn more and change my mind. The thought that comes to me is if our body doesn’t produce it, do we really need it. Anyway, for now I’ll say if the body doesn’t produce it, and we need it to function, we must get this acid from an outside source. Omega’s are important because they raise serotonin levels (our brain happy chemical). Omega’s also increase the dopamine (a chemical produced when we become excited). levels.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is also referred to as medium chain triglycerides (MCT oils) and provide an immediate energy source, versus being stored as fat. Studies have indicated that the scent of coconut oil may also reduce the “fight or flight” response when we are stressed.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is one of my favorites. If you’re brave enough to nibble on a bit of dark chocolate (at least 70 percent cacao), you will notice an improvement in your mood. Dark chocolate is also great source of tryptophan. As we mentioned in the discussion about asparagus, tryptophan aids in the production of serotonin. You become more alert after snacking on this bit of heaven (my opinion), and it increases the circulation to the brain. Gifting you with alertness, improved reaction time and problem solving, and it improve short-term memory.

Complex Carbohydrates

While we don’t want to get in the habit of over indulging on carbs, especially if your diet is restrictive in this area. They will provide feelings of well-being and may increase your mood during the cold winter months. For a more healthy way to consume these carbs, try slow digesting carbs like sweet potatoes, oats, brown rice, and whole grain pasta. Thees will offer the slow burning energy that will keep you going for hours. 

Quinoa

Quinoa is not only a complex carbohydrate but it’s also a complete protein. It will also help you maintain your blood sugar levels. Helping you to avoid those low energy dips throughout the day. You know, the ones that make you moody, and prone to low energy, or as they say “hangry”. Quinoa is also gluten-free which is nice if you have an allergy to gluten.

There are many ways to look at the food that provides energy to our bodies. The more we learn about each concept, the better informed we become, and the healthier our bodies will be. I hope you will take some time to research more about these options that can make a difference in our lives. Remember… Knowledge is power.