Did you know that food can solve almost all life's problems?
Well, maybe not all of them, it can't magic up your maths homework... But eating the right things can help make you more awake, more intelligent and better looking. And we reckon that's a recipe for happiness.
We spoke to the British Nutrition Council and found out all about good mood food!
Feel More Awake.
Porridge - It might not be your first brekkie choice but it has a low GI (meaning it releases energy very gradually), which will help you feel alert for longer. And you can easily liven it up with bananas or nuts (customising is so in right now!).
Bananas - You can grab them as a snack at any time of the day and they should help wake you up, but more importantly, keep you awake for a couple of hours -unlike crisps or chocolate.
Dark chocolate - Ok, so we know we just said chocolate makes your energy whizz up and down, but if you need a short, sharp burst, try dark chocolate. It's high in anti-oxidants, and because it's so rich you'll only want to trough a couple of pieces. Or that's the theory.
Give your Skin a Boost
Fruits and Veg - Whatever fruit and veg you can eat, eat it. Nothing will do your skin, or your body and mind, anything better. Except maybe magic and that doesn't exist.
Walnuts - They're rich in Omega 3 and are packed with essential fatty acids which help heart health and cell membranes, which basically means, er, nicer skin.
Water - We know you've heard it a million times before, but that's cos it's true. You need liquid and your skin needs to be hydrated from the inside, so get glugging.
Help your Head
Dried fruits - They're an acquired taste, but they are a good source of iron, which helps concentration, and sugar, which fuels your brain. You can easily add them to other foods and they also count towards your five-a-day. Bonus.
Milky drink - A healthy mind needs a good night's sleep. And, despite rumours, milky drinks are a great way to help you nod off (although stay away from cheese, cos cheese dreams can be traumatic).
Eggs - One way to keep your mind focused is to make sure it's not busy thinking of what to eat next. So, incorporate some eggy-ness into your brekkie to keep you full and your mind off food.
Look Even Better
Five a day - If you want to feel good, and look great inside and out, you need to pack yourself with nutrients. That really does mean eating five portions of fruit and veg a day - get to it!
Exercise - You can't technically eat this, but as well as long-term health benefits, exercise also gets your heart pumping and simulates the release feel good chemicals. The key is finding something you enjoy, rather than making yourself miserable with cross-country running or whatever.
Wholegrain bread - Some people reckon that the key to good health comes from good digestion. So always try and opt for wholegrain options of your fave carbs as bulky fibres keep you fuller as well as helping digestion.
Be Inspired
Pasta - The brain runs on carbs, as they're the only fuel it uses. So if you want your brain to tick, stoke it with good carbs like pasta and potatoes.
Sweet Potatoes - Not only do they taste yummy, and fuel the brain, but they're low GI so will keep it going on and on and on.
Red Kidney Beans - These are packed with protein, iron and fibre, which will help kickstart your head. But if you're not a fan, try other beans and pulses instead.
Role Models
Trim Up
Disclaimer first: Eating these foods won't make you shed pounds, but they could as part of a calorie controlled diet.
Wholegrain - Wholegrain versions of foods, such as bread, keep you full longer than their white counterparts and also help your digestion. A total winner.
Chocolate Drink - Instead of reaching for a choc bar, settle down with a low cal chocolate drink. Same chocolate hit, but without as much fat or calories.
Grapes - Little sugary snacks that you can have all the time, not just when you're ill. And not v expensive either.
But Remember.
If you're worried about your diet, try to look at the overall balance of what you're eating and maybe have something new every week that you didn't have the week before. Never, ever cut out whole food groups, as the key to a great diet is balance. And really think about long-term positive changes rather than short-term drastic ones, which can actually harm your health.
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