Oct 11
28
Foods that Keep Your Spirits Up
If you’ve ever wolfed down a pint of ice cream after an argument or munched through a bag of M&Ms on the eve of a major deadline, then you know the soothing power of food. “Candy, ice cream and other carbohydrates have a profound effect on brain chemistry,” explains Elizabeth Somer, R.D., author of The Food & Mood Cookbook (Owl Books, 2004). ”They stimulate the production of neurotransmitters and other bio-compounds that can trigger and enhance feelings of calm and contentment.”
On the other hand, even mild cases of mood-related eating can easily turn into a chronic habit that keeps you from reaching your weight-loss goals, according to Fitness Magazine. While you can’t always prevent emotional eating, you can choose diet-friendly foods. The key is to give your brain what it’s really asking for rather than succumbing to your initial craving.
Next time you’re about to toss back a few of your favorite unhealthy morsels, I suggest checking in with your body, not just your tongue. Frequently, the tongue would have you munch for hours on end never satisfying the biochemical processes that will change your mood. Touch your stomach and ask what it wants. Usually, the stomach doesn’t want a pound of chocolate.
When you’re sad…
You reach for: Sugary candies and chocolate to simulate serotonin, the “happy” biochemical.
Better bet: high fiber fruits, trail mix or one chocolate kiss (not ten!)
Even better! Walnuts, flaxseed and fatty fish such as salmon or ten minutes of journaling.
When you’re anxious or angry…
You reach for: Chips or crackers; chewing is a physical release for the emotion.
Better bet: Crunchy low-cal apples, jicama, carrots or frozen grapes.
Even better: Take a 15-minute break, breathe deeply, walk around the block, or hightail it to the nearest kickboxing class. Eating while angry can actually give you indigestion.
When you’re lonely…
You reach for: Pound cake, popcorn or pasta to fill you up & hide the empty feelings.
Better bet: A balanced snack such as yogurt, cottage cheese, turkey, pretzels or celery sticks.
Even better: We’re usually lonely due to a lack of connection with self and others. Frequently, designing a new project that will make your immediate environment more fun and entertaining could satiate you. Try something new, like a yoga class or painting. Remember curiosity keeps you youthful!
When you’re happy or celebrating…
You reach for: Pizza or a burger.
Better bet: Fruit smoothie.
Even Better! Atkins Power Bar & a new outfit!
TAKE A MOMENT to think back to your favorite dish from childhood. Was it mac-n-cheese? Your mother’s apple pie? Eating healthy versions of food associated with pleasant memories may be most effective at consistently boosting your spirits without the painful guilt trip.
