Thursday, February 3, 2011

Use Food To Change Mood

Everyone has eaten a great dinner and felt wonderful afterward. We've also grabbed something on the run and felt horrible later on. What we eat, as well as when and how, can have a huge effect on our mood. Here are some common complaints and some ways to correct them using foods, vitamins and minerals.








Instructions


1. Stop the stress. When your body is low in certain vitamins, it isn't able to combat stress the way it could normally. Add some serious vitamin B to your diet. Vitamin B can stop anxiety attacks, irritability, increase energy and improve concentration. Grab some peanuts, veggies, lean pork and a tall glass of milk to get the vitamin naturally, or take a daily supplement.


2. Drop-kick depression. Cut out the sugar-rich foods. Sugar can deplete your body of B vitamins. Add some amino acids like you find in cottage cheese, bananas, turkey or fish. Amino acids can produce feel-good messages in your brain and combat depression.


3. Fall in love. Chocolate produces the same chemical reaction in your brain that occurs when you fall in love. Want to feel that rush? Grab some chocolate. However, try dark chocolate. Less sugar equals less sugar rush.


4. Clean out your intestines. Adding acidophilus to your diet can help your mood and overall well being. By cleaning out the bad bacteria in your intestines, acidophilus can help eliminate bad breath and flatulence, and help clear up bad acne. You can get acidophilus in certain yogurt brands or as a supplement.


5. Enjoy your meal. Eating on the run only leads to heartburn, and many times, guilt. Spend some time at your meal. Set the table as fancy as you like, add candles and soft, soothing music. Eat slowly, in many courses. Chew your food well and drink plenty of water. Allow yourself to actually taste the food, flavor and texture. Enjoying a good meal can leave you with a peaceful feeling that will last for hours.

Tags: Grab some, your body, your brain, your diet, your intestines