MOOD FOOD

This thread is dedicated to (healthy foods) that create good moods.

Pickled ginger makes me feel good – I have no science to back it up – but just had a nori roll and feel like the luckiest person on earth at this moment :)

In response to laurie- does first things first~‘s post:

I know dark chocolate is a great antioxidant mixed with nuts and cranberries gives you a wonderful sense of well being. However it should be eaten during the day and then a good long walk right after!!!

Really want to hear more about healthy mood enhancing food. Out of the ordinary ones that we dont hear about all the time.
i.e we know about the benefits of comfort foods e.g mashed potato, chicken soup but thats because it evokes memories of warmth and comfort….but what about the foods that are proven to have health benefits and improve mood….?
Are there any super foods that you swear by that you know always hit the right buttons…

eg:
Calming foods (to relax, soothe and re-balance)
Energising foods (to boost energy and relieve fatigue)
Happy foods (serotonin boosting healthy goodies)
Sleepy foods (that aid restful sleep and promote good dreams)

I know this community will have lots of suggestions that are unique to each of you. Cant wait to hear your miracle cures!!!!

;o)

Just bringing this back into the recent threads to remind you foodies to post your healing foods when you get a moment (as per above)....

RE:Energising foods (to boost energy and relieve fatigue)

I have recently felt the benefits of ginseng and guarana in a supplement combined with b vitamins that I must say has increased my energy levels, but I am not a fan of supplements if I can get the benefits from foods – because lets face it thats a more enjoyable way of getting health kicks!

In response to anoushka_f’s post:
Just remember that guarana has caffeine, if that matters to you. It’s chemical composition is just like caffeine.

I will start posting good foods next week.

In response to laurie- does first things first~‘s post:
Thanks Laurie. I am actually bothered by caffeine – but it ‘said on the pack’ that is was a natural substitute for caffiene. I guess thatproves you should never fully trust what you read!

I just thought of another one:
energy boosting food – dried fruit: packed with energy and b vitamins – although I am also a bit worried about consuming too much sugar – even if it is natural….

GI diets are Ideal for keeping your blood sugar balanced. If your sugars are embalanced your moods will also be! Trust me. B-50 complex, Valerian, Calcium complex & Evening primrose all work for stabolizing stress & mood.
Also eating a lot of foods rich in Vitamin C with no extracts prove very healthy for stress. Doing these will prevent complications with your adrenal glands with release of seratonin & adrenaline.
Peanut butter’s effects as a mood lifter is often mistaken for chocolate. Chocolate has 0 effect on your seratonin, sorry!

In response to bbirishbug’s post:
I can’t wait to find the time for mood food! Foods are chemicals, and in my opinion, no need for lots of the OTC herbals. That’s just my view. This isn’t coming out of nowhere.

If you do chocolate for mood->moderation (does have caffeine, calories) and make sure it’s organic and no dairy added.

And dark chocolate does have feel-good properties. Though not all feel good things are feel good for everyone. For example if you are sensitive to caffeine or feel good elements of chocolate, you won’t feel good.

Here’s another example of not feel good for everyone food:

If you’re an anxious person, you might not be able to tolerate green tea.

Many over the counter supplements have side effects, like any drug. And if you do take Rx drugs or OTC drugs ->know what they interact with (even foods)

Keep it simple.
I wanted to wait until I had some time to think about this, though here are some feel good foods for some people off the top of my head:

Apples
Kiwis (loaded with potassium)
Cherries
Strawberries
Blueberries
Walnuts
Bananas

Dark Chocolate in moderation!

Brown Rice
Oatmeal
Corn Tortillas

Salsa
—————————-
Non-Vegetarians
Fish
Alertness:
Poultry

In response to anoushka_f’s post:
Marketing is brutal on foods and products.

you said: ‘said on the pack’ that is was a natural substitute for caffiene. I guess that proves you should never fully trust what you read!

It said exactly what it had

“natural” is the worst buzz word on the market.

“substitute” is another “wonderful word”.

Poison Ivy is natural.

And in re:to substitute when they were trying to lure bodies into purchasing diet products, they’d say ephedra free and add caffeine or guarana.

The reason it is so important to watch what gives you a lift, because of what simultaneously can be possibly depleted or “addictive”. By addictive, I mean needing more and more to do the same job.

Lol, your totally right. When you read labels you have to use your logic

And of course as we know foods aren’t everything, but they are a phenomenal foundation to feeling great!

can anyone tell me what foods cause your mood to dip low please as im trying to heal depression naturally and giving up sugary things is feeling like giving up smoking its a struggle but i think sugar is the main cause of low feeling,love flowergirl

Do a google search for “natural ways to heal depression “. “Foods that heal depression” “Vitamins that aid healing depression” , “vitamins and depression” depression and diet” etc. ... B complex, amino acids Vitamin D helps etc .. there is so much information out there on the net , its all there , it will suprise you . Follow the various links at the bottom of the google pages which suggest alternate searches. You will find everything you need and more.

Google neural transmitters and depression and nutrition , follow the links, surf around , you’ll find what you need. Google depression. Read more postive books and do your affirmations more WAY more often. Google affirmations to heal depression . Go for a walk in nature. Avoid alcohol as it will depress your central nervous system and make you feel worse.

Find an enlightened doctor or a nutritionist and get some guidance.

Meditate . This will do you a world of good in healing depression and in changing your life. It really will. It will suprise you, be patient though . Find a spirtitual group near you for support . Take a yoga class. Thet are often free at some places.

Get your emotions out. Write in a journal about how you feel . Let your anger and frustration out safely by hitting a pillow when you are by yourself . Search Louise Hay on youtube and watch her videos

Balance opinions when gathering information . Never overdo the vitamins , everything in moderation. Get a book or two on vitamins. Most doctors don’t believe in Vitamins. They typically don’t receive much education in that area . They perfer to give you drugs, which of course can be very helpful in many instances.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising is crucial . Taking vitamins is too . I take vitamins , have for more than 25 years. I take a Multi, all natural source vitamin …called Jameson MEGA VIM . I also take select, seperate vitamins and minerals as well . I also eat as much healthy food as I can and I exercise. I love healthy food . Eat less sugary and refined foods avoid fatty junk food. “I love my body and treat it well”, is a true affiramtion for me.

Eat more raws friuts and vegatables. You dont have to be perfect though or obsessive. Eating right though is a must and it will increase your energy level and general healthiness and well being and self esteem so will exercise . Start small and increase slowly, baby steps and gain momentum.

Go to a book store and look at books on vitamins and nutrition and depression . Do your homework. Get some new ideas and some new cook books. Find simple recipes on the internet . Branch out. change your habits.

Drop into a health food store and look around , ask questions, talk to people , make a new friend . Try new things . Try new foods . Hang out with different people who are into healthy foods and a healthy lifestyle .

Avoid people who bring you down and discourage you and try to hold you back and have bad habits, if possible.

Laugh more, watch funny shows on TV, It makes a difference.

Remember this, nothing lasts for ever not even depression. THIS TOO SHALL PASS

later db

In response to flowergirl’s post:
Hey Flowergirl.
I used to suffer from depression and was given B Vitamins to heal my nervous system. Its a motivating vitamin and promotes good mental health as well as allowing you to utilise your food to produce physical energy.

Thiamin, Riboflavin and Niacin (the holy trilogy of b vits) can be found in wholegrain cereals as well as in lots of fruits and veg – as you would expect.

I feel for you, and I am with you on this one. I stay ‘well’ in mind trying not to overeat also. Keeping a log and eating small meals keeps energy levels up and stops a) bingeing/mindless eating and b) low low sugar levels. Crashes in sugar level can put you in a real slump in mood.

P.S – I agree with all of db’s suggestions. Especially meditation and laughter….alongside a healthy diet.

Blessings to you flowergirl,
Anoushka

In response to flowergirl’s post:

I’ve started eating dates lately.. I notice I don’t crave sugar as much.. Actually I don’t crave my beloved chocolate at all.. I get all the sugar I need from my dates.. really.. dates are great and they kick in fast.. I’m gonna keep eating them and enjoy noticing my health improvement..

thank you so much folks for your understanding ,tons of great advice and encouragement.It is challenging because im a veggie and intolerant to potatoes,wheat ,pineapple,oranges and tomatoes,but justplanned a menu which covers us all, well i had but realised i included tomatoes in things like quorn bolognese sauce,need a rethink .I feel better already with all your ideas to try .thanks again ,love flowergirl

In response to flowergirl’s post:
Everything we put in our body has a reaction of some kind; healthy and unhealthy thoughts, healthy and unhealthy natural and synthetic chemicals..

Unhealthy food and lack of exercise causes negative reactions..

Whatever we do took time to create us..and whatever we need to do, to cause a better change..will take time too. Though don’t despair..because if you really focus on what you want..and you really don’t want to feel bad or be the unhealthier you…it is time to make a plan. I’m in total agreement with Anoushka, keep a log. And db’s list of wonderful ideas(:

And if you’re body is going through any hormonal changes, your diet and exercise IS YOUR MEDICINE.

Have you had any blood work done to see where you are deficient?

Do you live close to a quality health FOOD store?

Stay in touch, we’ll all support you through any changes you choose to create. You can do it!!!!!!!!!

Question..
What type of exercise do you currently do? What type of exercise are you capable of doing? When do you want to start doing what you can progressively in a routine, that will make you feel like a million dollars? Because great thinking, exercise and healthy food will be the foundation for the joyful life it looks like you’re loooking for.

thanks laurie for your advice ,re the bloods i am due to go back to g p for b p and cholesterol check ,b p was 160/103 despite being on meds and she wants me to take another pill,cholesterol was 10 – sky high and wants me to go on statins -not at all keen on them .I know my lifestyle in recent times hasnt helped but am now learning how much good food /exercise will help and going to ask her if she can refer me to a nuritionist and start to get sensible .Did a shop yesterday and got lots of brown rice ,couscous,dates,fruit and veg ,oat cakes and one packet of kit kats .The ice has gone now thanks topouring rain and so its wellies and waterproof coat and im off out with my dog for a good walk .I dont do any exercise at the moment – used to walk a lot but since my daughter became dangerously underweight we havebeen getting buses/taxis everywhere .As she was suicidal/self harming and at risk of heart attack i could not leave her for a while and got used tositting around .Now she is still low weight and withdrawn but does go for little walks herself and i can leave her for a little while – i have to for my own mental health .
Always loved walking with dogs and going to get back to daily 3-5 mile walk ,its me time when i can think .I am starting that this morning and will havea lovely hot bath when i come in Also will start on mini trampoline as its fun put on i pod with rock tunes and bounce away .Always wanted to do yoga so will look for a class ,also have a d v d so can start learning at home .I love your last sentence ,thats my affirmation for when i wake up “great thinking,exercise and healthy food are the foundations for my joyfull life”
It means so much to have the encouragement from you all thank you ,love flowergirl