happy days

 

Does anyone remember Summer when leaning against a tree and smiling inanely wasn't considered weird? I don't know about you but waking up in the freezing cold and going home in the dark is making me pretty cranky. But there are a few ways you can eat yourself happy (and I'm not just talking about chocolate here).

So there's a happy hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (these are natural chemicals found in the brain) and it has lots of different functions in the body. It's involved in the control of appetite, sleep, memory and learning, mood, behaviour and depression.

Serotonin is manufactured in the brain using the essential amino acid tryptophan which is found in foods like bananas, pineapple, plums, turkey and milk. If you're feeling a bit blue exercise is the best way to increase your serotonin levels quickly. However levels can also be managed by eating the right types of foods. A diet that's deficient in omega-3 fatty acids can impact negatively on mood. Also complex carbohydrates can raise tryptophan levels and vitamin C is needed for the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin. Our smoothies and orange juice are a source of vitamin C and our smoothies contain banana too so you can help to drink yourself happy without alcohol.

Oh and the chocolate thing is true. It helps with the release of serotonin and a special chemical released when you're in love. This is why I eat 2 squares of the darkest chocolate I can find each and everyday. And if it's a very bad day I may just scoff the lot......

Drop me a line by leaving a comment on this blog post if you have any questions on food and mood,

Happy chomping

dr shilps

Comments

[John]

Haha, I wouldn't have thought you eat that much chocolate... Well you must exercise a lot too.

Does a Cadbury's bar count as dark enough chocolate?

[Alex]

John, try Green and Blacks 70%, it rules!

And their ice cream is gorgeous too xx