The Happiness in Your Food

Happiness is an emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Happy mental states also reflect a person’s thoughts about their overall well-being.

We have talked about finding more happiness from our surroundings by changing our mentality. Today we will talk about the “happiness ingredients” in your food that can influence your hormones and state of mind.

Nature gave us “happiness hormones” : serotonin, dopamine, phenylethylamine, ghrelin and the endorphins. When we feel happy or euphoric, we are experiencing a combination of positive mindset and chemical reactions from our happiness hormones. These hormones can be released by exercise or even by eating certain foods.

Foods that activate the release of serotonin contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which is a precursor of serotonin. Examples of foods with tryptophan include bananas, chickpeas, oats, seafood, meat, nuts, and seeds. Foods that further boost serotonin release are turmeric, green tea, and dark chocolate. (Yes, you read that right! Dark chocolate stimulates the production of serotonin, making you feel happy after you eat it.)

Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine and can be found in almonds, bananas, avocados, beef, chicken, eggs, green tea, watermelon, and chocolate. (You are probably craving some right now. Go ahead; have a little piece and be happy!)

Food doesn’t have to be unhealthy or consumed in large quantities to make you happy. The key is mindful eating of the right kinds of food. Treating your body with “happy foods”, and including exercise, vitamins, sunlight, and minerals in your diet, makes for a healthy, happy body. Sunlight activates serotonin, and even light exercise increases both serotonin and endorphins.

Last but not the least, happiness requires that you detoxify your mind and body. Cleanse your mind with meditation and positive thinking, and cleanse your body with clean, healthy eating. Love yourself, accept yourself as you are, and be kind to yourself.