We’ve used feel-good ingredients proven to boost your happy hormones for after-work suppers, fresh new ideas for the weekend, and simple desserts. Make everyone happy!
Vitamin B6
Helps produce the “happy hormone” serotonin Good sources: wholegrains, pulses, lean meat and poultry, dark-green leafy vegetables, eggs, peanuts, soya beans.
Vitamin B12
Helps form a calming transmitter in the brain called GABA Good sources: shellfish, oily fish, wholegrains and pulses, lean meat, dairy products (including cheese), soya, fortified cereals.
Vitamin C
Boosts your immune system, and can fight cell damage resulting from stress and fatigue. Good sources: raw fruits and veg, especially berries, citrus fruit, tomatoes, kiwi fruit, peppers, and sweet and white potatoes.
Folic acid (folate)
Helps to make dopamine, which is associated with pleasure Good sources: green leafy vegetables, peas, seeds, wholegrains, pulses, oranges.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is the “sunshine” vitamin, as our main source is from sunlight. Some studies have shown that deficiency in vitamin D is related to depression Good sources: oily fish, eggs, shellfish, fortified cereals, margarine.
Magnesium
It stimulates the production of GABA and dopamine Good sources: wholegrains, nuts, seeds, pulses, green leafy vegetables.
PLUS: The Secret To Adele’s Weight Loss? Chocolate And Wine!
And dark chocolate!
Most of us find eating chocolate so pleasurable because it releases endorphins in the brain, giving us a sense of happiness. All in moderation, of course!
Here are recipes filled with all the above feel-good ingredients:
Brined Roast Chicken With Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Tahini Yoghurt Recipe
Grilled Goats’ Cheese And Beetroot Salad Recipe
Lentil “Risotto” With Asparagus Recipe
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any diet, you should speak to your doctor. You must not rely on the information on this website/newsletter as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
