Emotional Eating – what’s your mood food???
MANY of us are emotional eaters. We tend to reach for ‘comfort foods’ in hopes to fill an emotional void – which doesn’t really work (although we may think it does)! Here I’m going to show you the RIGHT type of emotional eating – Mood Foods! These food will help get you out of your funk no matter what your feeling!
FEELING TIRED?
Eat more: energy-bursting foods! In order to ‘perk-up’ our energy, we need to consume foods rich in nutrients, trace minerals, chlorophyll, iron and B12.
1. Dark leafy greens and vegetables
Dark leafy greens and veggies and loaded in vitamins, minerals, phytochemical and enzymes know to increase energy and mood! Dark leafy greens in particular are high in chlorophyll which increases the number of red blood cells in your body, which help deliver oxygen to your cells. The more oxygen to your cells, the more nutrients will be absorbed, and the more energy you will have. Eating veggies raw preserves the nutritional profile and enzymes helping to boost overall health and energy levels.
2.Sea veggies – (arame, nori, kelp and dulse)
Sea veggies are high in trace minerals, iron and the amino acid tyrosine. Minerals are essential to create energy-producing reactions in your cells and sea-veggies are loaded in them! Tyrosine boosts levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These are neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) known to ‘rev-up’ the brain, which can help you feel more alert and focused. These are also high in iron which helps to combat fatigue
3. Clams
Iron deficiency is a significant cause of fatigue, low energy, and anemia, especially in women. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough hemoglobin, which is a type of protein in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen throughout your body giving it energy. And at 23.6mg of iron per a 3oz. serving, Calms provide one of the highest food sources. Clams are also high in vitamin B12 which is essential to boost energy levels and mental concentration.
4. Water
The most common cause of fatigue is dehydration! If there is not enough fluid in your body, blood volume can drop. As a result, your body (and heart) must work harder in order to supply you cells with oxygen and nutrients. As a result, poor hydration results in mental fogginess, poor short term memory, dizziness, and fatigue. You should be drinking HALF your body weight in onuses. If you are tired and not drinking that – drink up!
FEELING DEPRESSED?
Eat more: Happy mood-boosting foods! In order to boost our mood when we are feeling down it’s best to incorporate foods that release ‘feel good brain chemicals’ and foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids are critical in alleviating depression.
1. Cold water fish and/or fish oil
1. Cold water oily Fish (such as wild salmond) are an excellent source of EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are omega 3 derivatives that are found naturally in oily fish. Research proves that fish oils that have a higher ratio of EPA:DHA is significant in effectively treating and reversing the effects of depression.
2.Bluegreen Algae (E3 Live)
E3Live is a fresh water algae that is one of that highest natural sources of phenylethylamine, Phenylethylamine (PEA) is as a natural mood elevator and anti-depressant. It’s the same compound found in chocolate that perks-up our ‘feel good’ chemicals However, bluegreen algae has about 50X more PEA than chocolate! It’s also commonly known as the ‘love molecule’ as it stimulates mood, feelings of overall well-being, and has been described to simulate the same euphoric feeling and feel-good chemical that the body naturally produces during those beginning stages of ‘falling in love’. A shot of this is like being bit by the ‘happy love bug!’. In addition, this also helps to improve attention, concentration, memory, and the stabilization of mood swings. Bluegreen Algae is also an excellent source of EPA and DHA (omega 3 Derivatives) that act as an anti-depressant
3. Saffron
Research shows that saffron works just as effectively as prozac in treating mild to moderate depression – without the side effects! Crocin and safranal the two chemical compounds found in saffron that is reported to relieve depression by raising serotonin and other mood enhancing chemicals in the brain.
4. Brazil Nuts
They’re the richest known source of selenium, a trace mineral that studies suggest can improve mood. low selenium levels in the diet can lead to irritability and depression. All you need is 1-2 nuts a day to supply the amount of selenium that researchers found beneficial.
FEELING STRESSED/ANXIOUS?
Eat more: “Chill-out foods”! These foods promote help your body relax and promote ‘brain-calming’ chemicals, such as serotonin. These foods are typically rich in tryptophan, B-vitamins and magnesium
1. Sesame Seeds
Sesame Seeds are a high source of tryptophan, which is an essential amino responsible for the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain and nervous system (the same amino acid found in turkey that makes us sleepy after thanksgiving dinner!) In addition sesame seeds are one of the highest sources of calcium (gram for gram has more calcium than milk!). Calcium is also essential in combating stress and anxiety.
2.Complex Carbs – Quinoa and oatmeal
Carbohydrates increase the rate at which tryptophan enters the brain. These complex carbohydrates are also high in tryptophan promoting the calming effects of serotonin production. Eating carbohydrates with tryptophan-containing foods makes this calming amino acid more available to the brain. They also are a high source of b-vitamins, which are essential to help convert the amino acids into neurotransmitters, and help to reduce stress and supports the adrenal glands.
3. Raw Chocolate
Now, while chocolate contains PEA, which promotes a happy, elated feeling, and alleviates depression (as noted above), pure, raw chocolate (or cacao) is also one of the highest sources of magnesium. Magnesium is essential in reducing muscle-tension and promoting relaxation. Chocolate also contains a neurotransmitter known as anandamide that has the ability to alter dopamine levels in the brain, causing a sense of peace and relaxation.
4. Passion Flower
Passion flower is a ‘calming’ herb. It has mild sedative effects and promotes sleep. At least one clinical trial has found it to lower anxiety
Thank. You so much for this info it was very helpful to me.It addressed every problem I’m having right now.Suffering with fibromyalgia and severe spinal. Problems all of which has led to depression in a vicious cycle I have been looking for help.I’m. A 54 yr old woman alone fighting for ssi no income no doctor.I can’t afford a dr without any income so I have been trying to find help on my own.I am grateful for your article .thank you. Catherine Gainey S.C.