Sam Wood: 6 ways the food you eat could be affecting your mood

More often than not we can identify the cause of our mood swings. We’re stressed because we’re on a tight deadline, we’re tired because the baby just won’t sleep, we’re feeling anxious about a meeting, we’ve had an argument with a friend, or sometimes it’s just life in general.

There are always factors outside of our control that determine how we feel at any given moment. There are also times when you’re feeling flat and you just can’t seem to figure out why.

What you might not know is that often this can be due to food. I know it might sound strange, but if you think this sounds like it could be the case for you, let’s go through some simple links between mood and food.

1. Processed food equals grumpy moods

When I go bananas on the treats (which I will admit does happen from time to time; have you ever tried to stop at one square of Cadbury?!) I often find that afterwards I’m grumpy, tired and easily irritated. This isn’t due to disappointment that I’ve finished the block (okay, maybe a bit) but is due to the spike and crash in blood sugar levels that comes from too many refined carbs and too much sugar. When you overdo it on processed treats, your blood sugar levels can spike, but then crash as your body works to bring them back down. This can leave us tired, irritable and therefore not a fun companion.

2. Skipping meals means more than being hangry

Much like consuming processed foods, skipping meals can affect your blood sugar control and can cause a serious spike in your mood.

When we don’t eat often enough, we’re playing with these blood sugar levels and this is when ‘hanger’ takes over. But that’s not the end of it. Skipping meals also means we’re more likely to overeat when our next meal rolls around, and depriving ourselves in this way can impact our bodies’ ability to absorb food in the long run.

3. Tryptophan WILL put A smile on your dial

Our bodies need tryptophan, one of the most important amino acids, to produce our happy hormone serotonin.

When we’re trying to include more tryptophan in our diets, foods like turkey, chicken, eggs, and milk are all awesome sources. While refined carbs can also be rich in tryptophan, it’s best to steer clear of this source as they only provide us with a quick and temporary mood boosting fix.

Now that you’re convinced of the impact that food can have on your mood, take a look at a few foods guaranteed to lift your spirits.

4. Fill up with fibre

Complex carbs and vegetables are awesome sources of fibre that slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and increase serotonin production, so fill your plate with the likes of brown rice, peas and broccoli, and snack on raspberries and almonds to feel those mood-boosting benefits.

5. Pack with protein

Including a protein component in every meal can slow down the body’s absorption of carbs, which can help lift your mood and energy, even hours after you’ve eaten.

6. Sip smarter

OK, I know this technically isn’t a food, but when we’re trying to stay happy and healthy, reducing our intake of stimulants and depressants such as caffeine and alcohol is a must.

• 28bysamwood.com