Maybe you feel a little lethargic or even full-on depressed after eating something unhealthy, but have you thought about how the food you eat impacts your bod and brain 24/7? It’s not just after that one late night binge session that you’re not at the 100% awesomeness you could be at.
Your body and brain only work because of one reason: the food you put into it.
Tummy-Brain Talk
Clearly, it’s one complete system. If you’re eating badly it’s not only extra fat you’re accumulating. Your gut actually tells your brain how to feel; it’s the gut-brain axis.
This means what you eat can make you feel depressed and anxious in the short and long-term. Thankfully, the opposite is also true. Eating food that works for your body can make you happy, sometimes very quickly, as well as prevent and eliminate depression and anxiety too.
Within just a few days you can feel like a new person.
Serotoninade me
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and it inhibits pain. It’s oh so very necessary to keep us functioning as decent human beings who other people enjoy the pleasure of being around (including you being happy around yourself!). A ridiculous 95% of your serotonin is produced in your gut. It’s also incredibly influenced by the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in your gut. This is why probiotics can help to alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety.
Your mood, energy, stress, and inflammation is a result of the food and bacteria in your belly.
Of course, exercise and creating a proper sleep schedule is just as important for your mood and health. I don’t think it’s just me that wakes up cranky like a baby without enough sleep (adults just have to try and hide it, unfortunately, or load up on caffeine and ooh doesn’t that just set us up for more problems).
Gimme that chocolate!
Unquestionably, food has an immediate affect and can really alleviate the hard times. It’s why you turn to it for comfort; you want that immediate dopamine release from something sweet and fatty. Sadly, not only is this a very short term alleviation from stress and pain, it sets your body up to need more sugar and fat and creates a dangerous cycle in your blood sugar and hormonal responses. Without a doubt, junk food is an addiction just like alcohol and other drugs.
Overall, eating what’s best for your body will change your day-to-day emotional reactions as well as your ‘naturally set’ mood completely.
Imagine waking up without feeling exhausted and groggy or not crashing at 3 o’clock every day (or 10 am…). Plus, no need to undo your pants’ button after every meal (this is also why yoga pants all day long are dangerous – they hide the truth!).
Food for *happy* thoughts
All these foods release serotonin and are rich in minerals & vitamins for a healthy body from the the top of your head to the tips of your toes.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids especially from wild fatty fish like salmon – a complete mood booster. Hate fish? Taking a high-quality supplement is best.
- Be sure to check your fish is wild and not farmed; they have unhealthy levels of omega-3, disease, live in feces, and completely destroy local eco systems – and more. It really is that bad.
- Vitamin D – The sun, mushrooms, fatty fish – mmm feel the serotonin soak through the skin.
- Vitamin B6, Folate – Leafy greens (spinach, lettuce, kale), wild fish & poultry.
- Vitamin C – Oranges, kale, broccoli, kiwi, berries (also all fruit with a low blood sugar spike).
- Magnesium – Nuts, seeds, leafy greens, avocados.
- Dark chocolate – Endorphins!! Lowers blood pressure!! Better brain function!!
- Turmeric – Anti-depressant (boosts serotonin and dopamine), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, can reverse age and brain-related diseases.
- Complex Carbs – They release quite a bit of serotonin: sweet potatoes, fruit, and veggies.
I could write a ginormous list, but every item would be under this category:
Natural and from the earth.
Veggies, fruit, nuts & seeds, legumes, wild fish & poultry.
A phrase to remember: If it doesn’t rot, don’t eat it!
Finally, to end it all with how to start it all: one of my fave on the go morning breakfasts. All natural, full of healthy fats and proteins, and when you make a bunch at once you’re set for the week. Enjoy!
Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding
A healthy-fat filled breakfast to keep you going for hours. Top it with berries, cinnamon, and a drizzle of raw almond butter. Flavour options: For dark chocolate orange add a tsp or two of orange rind. For dark chocolate espresso add 1/4 tsp or more of espresso powder. Sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut cream/milk
- 1/2 cup almond milk sugar-free
- 2-4 tbsp Dutch 24% fat cocoa powder to taste
- 1-2 tbsp raw almond butter
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- dash salt pink himalayan
- dash cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp espresso powder optional
- 1-2 tsp orange rind optional
Instructions
Stir all ingredients together in a jar and store for at least 2-4 hours in the fridge. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Best to make a batch of 4-8 at once, keep a few in the fridge and freeze the rest. They last about 2 days in the fridge. If you've an early morning take it out of the freezer the night before.