Food and Mood

Ever have intense food cravings or wonder why when you are sad, lonely, bored or stressed sweet and fatty foods seem to just sound better? They may even be the one way you know to temporarily pick up your spirits. You are not alone, and you are not just a person of poor will power. There is actually a chemical reason for these cravings.

Carbohydrates (sugar) cause your brain to release the hormone serotonin which makes you happy! Proteins (animal products, nuts, & legumes) cause the release of dopamine which leads to increased energy, and fats (lard, oils, butter, avocado, fatty fish, nuts) cause the release of endorphins which, most of you know, make you feel good. So it makes sense that when we are feeling down we reach for food to make us happy, give us energy, and make us feel good.

Sometimes, when you are not feeling well, a balanced meal is exactly what you need to help your mood stabilize throughout the day. The best example of this time would be when your are hungry or after intense physical activity. BUT, if you find yourself reaching for food when you do not have any physical hunger, you may want to try something besides food to increase your mood. Next time you are feeling down why not try one of these activities known to cause a release of endorphins: physical activity, relaxation/meditation, listening to music, touch/massage, aromatherapy, and laughter : )