Have you ever felt a surge of happiness and overwhelming sense of empowerment after a good workout? That’s because your happy chemicals are speaking!
Dopamine, Serotonin, Endorphins, and Oxytocins. All of these are known as your ‘feel-good’ hormones. And while breaking a good sweat is one way to boost these chemical levels, other lifestyle changes such as diet and nutrition can also influence this.
Here are 10 happy foods that’re packed with joyful goodness:
I. Dark, Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are an excellent source of folate (Vitamin B), which helps your body produce dopamine and serotonin. It keeps you calm, reduces stress, and enhances your well-being!
Go for:
- Spinach
- Bok Choy
- Kale
- Kailan
- Watercress
II. Dark Chocolate
Congratulations, my sweet-tooth lovers! Dark cocoa has been known to stimulate endorphins in the brain. Plus, it’s good for gut too!
III. Water
One of the key to our survivals, water is literally an essential to our holistic well-being. 2 Litres a day is enough to get you hydrated and functioning well.
IV. Fruits
Replace your artificial desserts (cakes, ice cream, etc.) with natural sweet fruits instead! Additional idea – you can even make fruit popsicles if you’re craving ice cream.
Go for:
- Avocados
- Apples
- Bananas
- Berries
- Lemon
- Watermelon
- Oranges
V. Quinoa
Bonus if you’re looking for an alternative to processed grains. Packed with fibre and proteins, it helps keep your sugar level in check – essential in fostering a happier self!
VI. Green & Black Tea
We’re talking about the main compound L-theanine found in green & black teas. This amino acid have been found to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
VII. Oily Fish
Ok, hang tight here… we’re not referring to fish dipped in heavy-duty oil. Instead, we’re talking about fish with Omega-3 fatty acids.
Go for:
- Salmon
- Anchovies
- Black cod
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Bluefin tuna
VIII. Eggs
It’s hard NOT to eat eggs! There are so many ways to consume this sunny food. Not only is it packed with vitamins, it also has zinc, magnesium, iron, choline – all of which help reduce anxiety, depression, and aid sleep.
IX. Fermented Foods
Kimchi, Kombucha, Tempeh, Kefir, Pickles, and more…
If you’ve been keeping up with our #PieorityInsider series on Instagram, you’d know that many of these fermented foods are prebiotics and probiotics which help your gut microbiomes flourish!
When your gut heals, so does your mood.
X. Lean White Meat
Breasts, in particular, help increase intake of an amino acid called tryptophan, which is responsible for creating more serotonin for your body!
More amino acids = More serotonins = More happiness!
Go for:
- Chicken
- Turkey
[Bonus: Oysters]
Many may not know this – but your gut is home to microbiomes that balance hormones and chemicals. It is true when they say “you are what you eat”!
If your goal is to build a happy & healthy body and mind for yourself, then the hack is to simply eat foods that are good for your gut! Not sure where to begin? This article might be useful to find out what’s hurting your gut!
When you balance your nutrition intake, that’s how you also balance your mood levels. Thank us later!
