Bon Appetit
During winter it is easy to slip into the pattern of eating fast release carbohydrates. Winter foods tend to be quite heavy because we need comfort during the cold months. Pie’s, cakes, crumbles and croissants are just a few of our favourite winter pleasures and It’s really important that you treat yourself over the holiday season, after all if you can’t let go a little around your family at Christmas then when can you? However, it is also important to remember that too much of these kinds of foods can actually bring your mood down and give you a case of the winter blues.
If you are feeling a little sluggish and low then remember that food doesn’t just fill you up, it also acts as a mood enhancer contributing to improving your memory, learning power and concentration by increasing production of the nerve transmitter acetylcholine.
Try to opt for some slow-release glucose found in foods such as porridge and muesli, both choices will deliver a stable flow of energy to the brain. Also try and snack on these foods. There are some delicious winter fruits around, various types of berries are good for snacking and Satsuma’s are also great. Nuts and seeds are a great source of magnesium, which helps the body to make serotonin more effectively and will keep your hunger at bay till your next meal.
At the end of the day have an evening meal rich in carbohydrates, as this will help you to sleep better. Also, when your body processes carbs, blood-sugar levels rise, prompting the pancreas to release more insulin into the bloodstream, which helps tryptophan to reach the brain more easily.
The final tip is to keep hydrated. Even a small drop in hydration could leave your mood uneven. Keep caffeine free drinks to hand and top up your fluids regularly, especially when sitting in heated rooms.