The 3-day happiness diet by a nutritional therapist

Low mood and depression are common problems for many people of all ages. If you struggle with feelings of depression, loss of motivation and enthusiasm, or if you have difficulty finding joy in everyday life it’s time to rethink your diet. Our diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood and research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel. In fact, studies suggest people with depression often make food choices that can actually make them feel worse. Fortunately, there are many foods that can put a smile on your face and make your body feel awesome. These foods provide you with the right nutrients or co-factors the body needs to produce neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that give up a natural lift. You are what you eat: Our diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood and research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel (file image) Depression affects around one in 10 adults with estimates that up to 50 percent of the population will experience at least one episode of depression during their lives. Mainstream medicine still relies upon psychoactive drugs that not only have a success rate of 50 percent or less but are fraught with potential side effects. Current research suggests depression is actually linked to an array of underlying factors including inflammation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, poor methylation and hormone imbalances. By tackling these underlying imbalances you can improve overall brain health and boost mood too. Fixing your brain starts with fixing your body. Optimising what you put in and taking out the negative influences is the first start This is the basis of Functional Nutritionist and Chef Christine Bailey’ s new book The Brain Boost Diet. Using evidence based research on brain health and proactive lifestyle and dietary changes you can make a profound difference to how you think and feel whatever your age. If you’re looking to eat your way to happiness Christine has developed a three-day Mood Boosting Diet to kick start a happier you. 6 healthy eating strategies to boost your mood 1. Avoid processed foods Avoiding blood sugar imbalances is one of the quickest ways to notice an immediate improvement in mood. This means ditching the refined sugary carbohydrates, white starch, fruit juices and sugary smoothies and instead basing your meals around lean proteins, healthy fats (like oily fish, avocado, olives, nuts and seeds) and plenty of antioxidant rich vegetables. 2. Stop being fat phobic Around 60 percent of your brain is fat – mostly comprised of phospholipids and omega 3 fats. Deprive your body of these healthy fats and your focus, concentration and mood will suffer. Healthy fats are particularly beneficial to the brain and you can get your daily dose from three different oils – olive oil, coconut oil, and omega 3 rich oils such as oily fish. Extra-virgin olive oil, which is a good source of polyphenols and monounsaturated fats helps protect the brain cells and lower inflammation. Coconut oil is rich in special fats called MCT or medium-chain triglycerides that can improve your brain function. Essential omega-3 fats present in oily fish (e.g sardines, mackerel, salmon, trout, halibut, anchovies) walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds have been shown in studies to boost mood and tackle depression. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Daily dose of broccoli, cauliflower and sprouts could… The secret to Natalie Portman’s flawless skin: Star cut TWO… Share this article Share 3. Drink green tea If you’re feeling stressed, then grab a cup of green tea. Green tea contains potent antioxidants including catechins known to protect the brain as well as L theanine which has been shown to improve focus and concentration and lower the stress response.