Once you get in tune with your body it’s easy to notice that food drastically impacts your moods and how you feel.
As you might have guessed it… the Merrymaker Sisters is all about bringing more JOY, creating more contentment and happiness. We do this with delicious healthy food, Yoga and Pilates (checkout MerryBody HERE) and meditation.
And did you know it’s been proven that optimists are more likely to live longer than those who have a more negative approach to life?! We read about it over here and we’re planning to chat on our Get Merry podcast about it! So cool.
Before we get into the 5 foods that make you happier… have you noticed when you eat high sugary foods, you feel a boost of energy and then a crash? You feel awesome for about a minute and then feel lethargic, it’s no wonder you then go look for the next sugar hit.
Sugar suppresses your immune system, leads to weight gain, causes heart disease, tooth decay and messes with your gut flora which directly impacts moods and can lead to depression and anxiety.
Did you know that 95% of the body’s supply of serotonin is made in the gut!
Serotonin = happy hormone.
So maybe, if we stop eating processed foods with added sugar and reduce natural occurring sugars we will feel happier. And then we can go a step further and add more foods to our diets that actually create more feel-good vibes. Worth a shot!
Add these 5 foods to your diet and feel happier
Spinach
Spinach contains folic acid, which helps to alleviate depression and reduces fatigue. Spinach also contains iron, which is essential for the body to function. We both get super low iron and it sucks!
TRY THESE RECIPES: Spinach and Dill Muffins from the Get Merry App or what about this Choc Mint Smoothie.
Turmeric
This super healthy yellow spice, super common in Indian recipes (yum!), contains curcumin, which enhances mood and fights depression apparently. Also fights inflammation in the body and boosts immunity.
TRY THIS RECIPE: Easy baked chicken curry.
Avocado
Ok, quite possibly our most favourite food item in the universe. Avocados contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid used by the brain to produce serotonin. Avocados are also filled with good fats keeping you satiated and when we eat fat. this helps keep sugar levels in the blood stable. Also good for skin, hair and nails.
TRY THIS RECIPE: Avocado and pesto dip from the Get Merry recipe app.
Cacao
Cacao powder is the raw version of cocoa, it’s less processed with more nutritional value and it’s freaking delicious. Cacao boosts the body’s natural production of serotonin, making us happier and less stressed. Also high in magnesium, great for relaxing the body. Just make sure you’re eating it raw, heat will destroy all the good stuff.
We have so many epic recipes with raw cacao!
TRY THESE RECIPES: Choc mousse smoothie or this low fructose choc caramel slice or what about this raw mocha tart?
Almonds
Far out we love almonds! High in calcium, known to balance hormones, they’re also rich in protein and tryptophan, the amino acid that helps serotonin production.
TRY THIS RECIPE: Blueberry Almond Muffins (far out this recipe is so yum!) or these fat bombs! Fat bombs are the ultimate post workout snack. These keto double choc fat bombs are next level delish!
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Far out we love these 5 ingredients so much because YES they are all delicious but how exciting that they’re filled with good stuff and potentially can make us feel happier.
If you make any recipes let us know! We’d love to see a pic of the deliciousness you create.
Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla