Are Foods the Key to Better Moods?

Much of this occurs through the action of brain chemicals

It’s no surprise that moods influence our appetites and our food selections. People often eat for emotional reasons, based on their moods.

But the reverse may also be true. What we eat — and when — can affect our moods, our thinking, and our ability to work productively all day and sleep soundly at night.

The foods we eat can bring on depression, irritability or anxiety. Some foods can exaggerate our tendency to experience those moods.

Much of this occurs through the action of brain chemicals that transmit information. As you read, you might ask yourself if your diet is preventing you from feeling as good as you could.

Do You Feel “Down” After Your Lunch?

If afternoons are tough for you, you might be eating too many starchy or sweet carbs at lunch. Some people experience a stronger reaction to carbs than others.

Protein foods trigger brain chemicals that will keep you awake, alert and feeling good.

Carbs like pasta or bread, on the other hand, can raise insulin levels significantly. That rise in insulin helps to transport tryptophan, an amino acid, to the brain.

Once tryptophan gets to the brain, it’s used to make serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that typically makes us feel relaxed and calm.

But too much serotonin can make us lethargic, sleepy, and, for some people, “down” or depressed. The more insulin we release, the more serotonin the brain makes.

And some people release a lot of insulin when they eat starchy or sweet carbs. That’s why they have a stronger reaction to carbs.

Why Vegetables Keep Us Alert

Vegetables don’t raise insulin, so they don’t trigger serotonin and won’t bring you down. That makes them an excellent lunch food if you want to stay focused and positive, and work well through the afternoon and early evening.

A good lunch would be a high-protein, low-carb meal, such as chicken and salad, or fish and broccoli. Go easy on breadsticks, baked potatoes, or other starchy carbs.

Skipping sugary desserts is another way to keep yourself feeling alert and more positive after lunch — or after any meal.

This approach to your mid-day meal should help you stay awake and productive for the rest of your working day.

If you’d like help with mood swings, anxiety, “blah” mood states, or energy slumps, perfect! That’s what I do. Just visit www.LastResortNutrition.com and grab your free Boost My Mood Consult. Discover how just a few easy changes can help you feel great all day long!

Brought to you by Dr. Joan Kent, best-selling author of Stronger Than Sugar: 7 Simple Steps to Defeat Sugar Addiction, Lift Your Mood, and Transform Your Health.