MOOD BOOSTING NUTRITION:
Do you ever wonder if you could be happier and feel more peaceful just by changing your diet?
The answer is that YOU CAN change how you feel, by adding in some certain foods.
Read below for a list of foods that are scientifically proven to help you feel happier by producing more serotonin in the brain!
-Oily fish including mackerel is one of the few foods that contains Vitamin D, usually produced when we’re exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D boosts our levels of serotonin and is one of the reasons that people tend to feel happier on sunny days.
-Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and packed with essential nutrients that have been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression and help give you a good night’s sleep.
-Bananas contain tryptophan – an ingredient that the body uses to make the happiness hormone serotonin. They’re also packed full of potassium, they contain Vitamin B6 which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
-70% cocoa is actually good for you. Just a few pieces can cause the brain to release endorphins and boost serotonin levels putting you in a good mood. Great idea when you are craving!
-Venison is high in protein and low in fat. It provides half our recommended daily amount of zinc, a mineral that’s key to maintaining a healthy immune system and glowing skin.
-Leafy green vegetables are natural antidepressants – they’re an excellent source -of folic acid which contributes to the conversion of serotonin.
-Eating pomegranates or drinking a glass of pomegranate juice can help stabilize your sugar levels after you’ve eaten a high-calorie meal. That means that you eliminate the risk of an energy slump after dinner.
-Turkey meat contains lots of tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to create serotonin and melatonin. It also has a relaxing ability which helps with sleep and frayed nerves. Great for a dinner protein.
KEEPING FOOD FRESH
Now this is important! What good is healthy food if you don't store it properly? Here are my tips for keeping food fresh:
-Lettuce: needs moisture to stay fresh and will quickly wilt if it dehydrates. Wrap lettuce in damp paper towels and store in a plastic bag. If salad greens begin to wilt, soak them in ice water to crisp them up before fixing a salad.
-Avocado: store air tight with the pit and coat it with olive oil or lemon juice.
-Leftover cooked meat will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator, kept air tight.
-Danger Zone: between 40°F and 140°F. In this range of temperatures, bacteria grows rapidly and the food can become unsafe to eat, so it should only be left out no more than two hours if not regfrigerated below 40 degrees.
-Meat & poultry should be kept in its original package if you’ll use it within 2 days. (Re-wrapping increases the risk of exposing the food to harmful bacteria.) Otherwise, wrap it in foil and freeze.
-Fresh eggs sink; bad ones float.
Enjoy!
I hope these food ideas and meal storage tips help you in your journey to staying healthy and happy.
Need to lose some weight in a healthy way? Let's chat! Email me at PetersL93@yahoo.com or contact me directly through my site!
Sincerely,
Leah Peters
Leahpetersfitness.com