Can what we eat make us happier?
Written by Jo Davies
When someone told me proudly the other day they were fasting for long periods and now only needed a tiny amount of food to exist, I wondered if they were way off track with wellness. Similarly, when extreme fitness enthusiasts restrict their diet to broccoli, brown rice, tuna and egg whites. Sure, they may achieve ripped abs and low body fat levels, but are they missing out on the happiness (and health) that food contributes to our lives? Neither of those diet regimes would make me happy I am sure, even if they did result in a 6 pack! Food is pleasure and joy as well as fuel and nutrition. Please note, broccoli, rice, tuna and eggs are wonderful foods. But variety, plenty of different tasty foods, and sharing meals with others, is also where the joy is. And happiness is good for us.
The key is to enjoy eating and food, consume healthy amounts, and maintain a fit body at the same time!
It can be done. And can help increase happiness.
Let’s look at the geeky science and then turn it into a real “Happy” meal (And I am not talking McDonalds!).
There are loads of nutrients in food linked to happiness and loads of science to back it up. Probiotics can boost serotonin our happy hormone, essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation and improve mood and brain health, vitamins such as vitamin C can help to increase our happy hormones and decrease inflammation, good quality carbohydrates can stabilise blood sugar, minerals like magnesium calm us, healthy iron levels improve energy and sleep….. the list is endless of nutrients and their role in happiness.
And if it tastes good as well, bonus extra happiness.
Well that’s all well and good you might say, but how do we turn those nutrients into a delicious meal?
Our Spring recipe “3B salad and creamy feta dressing” served with Heart Beet Kraut and tinned or (depending on your budget) fresh grilled salmon covers all the above mentioned happiness nutrients.
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria known to boost mood and are found in the creamy feta and yogurt dressing, and in the Living Goodness Heart Beet Kraut.
Essential fatty acids are found in salmon, and if you prefer a vegan option without salmon, they are also found in seeds (pumpkin seeds are great toasted and sprinkled over the salad as they also provide protein, and zinc, a known mood-boosting mineral).
The brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C.
The yogurt and vegetables provide good-quality carbohydrates and fibre.
If a meal looks attractive our happiness increases, and if we share it with friends or family it’s even better for our emotional wellbeing.
Life is short, be happy, eat well, laugh lots and connect with loved ones. Bon Appetit.
Jo Davies
Photographer/Nutritionist, Be Well Clinic Taupō
BCApSc, BSc | jodaviesphotography.shootproof.com
kyndwellness.com | 53 Gillies Ave, Taupō | PH: 0272740687
E: jodavies@xtra.co.nz