The stress and strain of the Holiday season can bring on sadness, anxiety, and mild bouts of depression. It is widely understood that our diet greatly influences our moods. Diet and poor eating habits are often the cause of depression and exhaustion.
There are three major neurotransmitters in our brains that affect our moods. These are dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. When the brain produces serotonin tension is eased and when the brain produces dopamine or norepinephrine we tend to think and act more quickly and we are generally happier.
Eating carbohydrates has a calming effect and eating proteins increase alertness. Protein meals such as Salmon and other fish are good choices because they are both protein and essential fatty acids.
Avoid foods high in saturated fat because fat inhibits the synthesis of neurotransmitters by the brain in that they cause the blood cells to become sticky and to clump together, resulting in poor circulation to the brain. So the more saturated fat you eat the more your moods are affected and the more your moods are affected the more fat you eat. It becomes a cycle. This in theory is how I believe we gain weight. We eat poorly and literally starve the brain of essential nutrients that improve mood and increase energy. Therefore a healthy diet and not dieting is the key to weight control.
Complex carbohydrates raise the levels of serotonin in the brain and protein raise the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Balance is achieved when we combine these two nutrients. A turkey sandwich on whole grain bread would be an example of a healthy balanced lunch.
So if we want to improve our moods, increase our energy, and control our weight it’s not dieting but a healthy diet that does the trick. However there is another essential element that keeps us on track. It’s called moderation.
Everything in moderation! Excess is what gets us into trouble. Yoga teaches moderation in everything we think, say, and do. It is the key to living a balanced life. Suppression, denial, and avoidance often lead to overindulgence. Moderation is the absolute key to enjoying all of life while maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Moderate exercise, a little time in the sunshine, a healthy diet which might include a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate, a little fun and laughter, and a lot of appreciation for the little things in life will lift a sad mood and at the same time improve your health.
So to keep yourself happy and healthy throughout the holiday season; relax and enjoy the parties, friends, and family because you now have your motto (to keep you focused and balanced) for the next few weeks, “Every thing in moderation. �?BR>Doctor Lynn
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