It's not just about the taste, it's definitely about how it makes you feel. We are talking about feel-good food. Nutrition experts say that there are certain foods that contribute to improving or worsening your mood and feeling. Also explained in our previous May theme where we talked about the gut-brain axis and how it ties to our digestive system to how we feel. Therefore, we will take a closer look at some daily ingredients that will help boost your mood and make you feel better.
QUINOA An indispensable part of your kitchen cupboard is of course quinoa. This protein-rich grain can be used as an easy substitute for pasta and rice. It turns out that the flavonoid in quinoa has an antidepressant effect.
BOK CHOY & TURNIP GREENS These leafy green friends contain folic acid which can lead to a drop in serotonin levels when there is a deficiency. Mommy’s pay attention, it also seems to be good for fetal brain development. Don’t like bok choy or turnip greens? Try spinach, also a green that is rich in folic acid.
BLUE GRAPES Nothing better than breakfast with blue grapes. These champs also appear to contain antioxidants that contribute to improving your mood and keeping your immune system healthy. Don’t like them for breakfast? Try them in a Waldorf salad.
B6-VITAMINS You can find B6 in kale, leafy greens, seafood, poultry, beef and spinach. Since B6 vitamins are vital for reducing stress symptoms of depression and promote brain health it also creates neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The body is not able to produce B6 itself so that’s why it’s important to keep track of your vitamin B’s every day.
Despite all the benefits of the mentioned food above. Anyone food isn’t the trick for a healthy and steady mind. It’s the magic combination paired with sleep, exercise and eating patterns - the key players.
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In the infinite world of cooking it’s being said that the sensation of taste can be categorized into sour, sweet, bitter, salty and umami. Whereas the last one is a Japanese term for a stimulating sensation of savoriness such as meats and aged cheeses. These are of course the basics, but what actually ensures that we make the process of eating and cooking more enjoyable and leads to positive energy?
SEASONAL EATING When you are a real foodie your heart will beat faster for fresh and local products. Of course, you can almost buy everything at your local store every time of the year. But waiting a whole year for certain products to come into the season will make it all more precious. The summer vegetables you can devour amongst others are: asparagus, cucumber, turnip greens, broad bean, zucchini, eggplant and celery. More into fruits? Try strawberries, apricots, cherries, nectarines or pears. Enjoy!
STROLLING FOOD MARKETS To get hold of these delicious seasonal products, you have to hunt for them. We’re talking about strolling. There is nothing more fun than going to the market early in the morning to pick out the most beautiful fresh products for your lunch or dinner. Another advantage is that you can obtain precise numbers instead of large numbers (no food waste!)
THE EYE EATS FIRST Some of us can’t get enough of it: plating. Food presentation is crucial for restaurants to attract customers. But even when you have your romantic dinner for two at home it will do the job. The eye is what they say eats first and it is true. Oxford researchers plated the same dinner in two different ways and the dinner that was plated artfully was reported as tasting better.
OUT OF THE BOX Be your own chef de magic and try out new recipes. By trying new recipes you also get more experience in which flavors match well or which don't match well. Successful choice? This provides new positive energy, whereby your eaters will also lift your mood through all the compliments you receive about your new mind-blowing dish. So what are you waiting for?
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