What are Good Mood Foods?
Certain foods encourage your body and brain to produce the neurotransmitters and hormones that can make you feel happy, calm, positive and encourage restful sleep. Normal and healthy levels of serotonin even help to prevent cravings for sugary, fatty and stodgy foods, so ensuring that you’re eating plenty of good mood foods each day can really help to keep your health and fitness on track.
Omega-3 Fat
Omega-3 fat is considered the most important type for your brain and body. It nourishes every single body cell to keep them strong and supple, it helps your complexion to stay fresh and youthful, it keeps joints lubricated and healthy, and the more of it you eat, the better your mood can become. This is because it is thought to increase a natural and potent antidepressant brain chemical called dopamine by up to 40%, to boost alertness, focus and a good mood.
Food Sources of Omega-3 Fat?
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Omega-3 fats are found in chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseed and flax oil, walnuts, chlorella and spirulina and in oily fish including wild salmon, sardines and mackerel, for those that eat fish. I often supplement with a plant-based micro-algae omega-3 capsule by Nordic Naturals (€28.99), which I find especially useful in winter when my skin feels drier.
Saturated Fat
Sat fats haven’t enjoyed the best reputation over the years, and many people wouldn’t associate them with good health and a happy mood. But unsweetened dried coconut, coconut oil and coconut milk are my favourite types of saturated fat to enjoy regularly, and they appear in plenty of my recipes too.
Coconut boasts incredible antibacterial and anti fungal properties, and remains stable at high temperatures, which is why its oil works so well in cooking. However, coconut oil is still best used sparingly if you’re trying to lose some body fat, as there are 120 calories per tablespoon.