A person’s mood can fluctuate, and several factors influence it. Today, I’ll explain how food affects your mood.
Work circumstances, family matters, physical and mental aspects, and even food intake can make us feel better or worse.
The brain is one of the main areas influencing mood. It produces different chemical substances that can generate exciting sensations, such as adrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, and more.
This is how food and mood are related
Human beings can find in food and its components a source that can modify moods, induce sleep, provoke joy or well-being, or alleviate pain, stress, or depression.
As a fitness coach, I understand that nutrition is just as important as physical activity. These two aspects go hand in hand to achieve the desired results.
It is scientifically proven that food can increase or decrease the secretion of certain neurotransmitters. These chemical elements pass from neuron to neuron, generating pleasure, well-being, motivation, and more energy.
A clear example of this is sweet foods, which have an immediate impact on serotonin and endorphin levels in the body, also known as the “happiness hormones.”
Food can regulate appetite, sleep, and even mental health.
According to studies, around 90% of the body’s serotonin supply, a substance that helps regulate appetite, sleep, and even pain tolerance, is produced in the stomach. This direct relationship between food and mood is evident.
Food can have a profound impact on mood and mental health. If you consume a lot of junk food with little nutritional value, you may experience heaviness, lack of concentration, and even frustration.
On the contrary, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins, can make you feel invigorated, uplifted, and energized to tackle daily tasks.
While homemade foods or those enjoyed in social gatherings with friends or family can make you feel good, it’s best to focus on nutritious options to maintain health and have extra energy.
This is how the connection between food and mood works
This direct connection between what we eat and how we feel can be observed easily. For example, when we are happy, our appetite tends to increase, while the opposite happens when we are bored, as we often lose interest in food.
Nutrition experts can even provide a list of foods that can fill you with vitality, positivity, and energy to accomplish your daily tasks, goals, and objectives.
If the goal is to improve your day, it is recommended to consume foods high in tryptophan, a substance that facilitates the production of serotonin, which is vital for feeling joyful.
Foods that contain high levels of tryptophan include eggs, cereals, vegetables, fatty fish, red meat, dairy products, legumes, and dark chocolate, which boosts endorphin levels.
However, everything should be managed with caution to avoid excess. We should consume controlled amounts, tailored to the average person’s intake.
That’s why, as a fitness coach, I include a personalized meal plan in the online personalized training program. It is essential!
Other notable foods include fruits such as avocados and bananas, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phosphorus, and vitamin B.
Elevated levels of this amino acid also contribute to the proper regulation of sleep, emotional processes, and anxiety management.
On the other hand, there are mood-negative foods such as refined sugar. Excessive consumption can affect blood sugar levels and potentially lead to diabetes, which can result in depression.
Trans fats, processed foods, fast food, potatoes, and fried foods are often associated with problems like depression and anxiety
