Many people are constantly looking for more peace and happiness. Yet we often do things that achieve just the opposite.... Think of working long hours, not setting limits and eating unhealthy food. And yet it is precisely with food that you can indirectly boost your sense of happiness! So do you regularly ask yourself, how does nutrition make you happier? You can read it in this blog!

How do you become happier through food?

Nutrition plays a powerful role in regulating our emotions and improving our sense of happiness. This is because various neurotransmitters have an effect on how you feel, think endorphins, serotonin and GABA. These neurotransmitters can be reactivated by the foods you eat, take advantage of this! Below we discuss a number of foods to avoid and foods to regularly add to your meals.

Foods to avoid

Preferably omit the following foods, or eat and drink in moderation.

1. Sugar and processed foods

Sugar and processed foods cause rapid spikes and dips in your blood sugar, which can lead to mood swings and energy dips. Therefore, avoid sweet snacks, soft drinks and fast food as much as possible.

Find out what happens in your body and brain when you eat sugars.

Would you like to stabilize your blood sugar levels? Then read this blog for tips!

2. Caffeine

A daily cup of good, organic coffee is not bad at all on its own and can even have positive health effects. But when combined with sensitivity to caffeine or stress, coffee can actually cause additional overstimulation and symptoms such as anxiety and sleep problems.

Do you often feel restless or agitated after a cup of coffee? Then try doing the things below to experience fewer negative effects of caffeine:

• Consume coffee only on a full stomach
• Also switch to decaf occasionally
• Make sure you drink enough water as well 

3. Alcohol

Do you also feel sad, anxious or depressed after a night of drinking alcohol? Alcohol uses up extra neurotransmitters in your brain that make you happy, such as dopamine and serotonin. Therefore, you feel extra elated when you are tipsy or drunk, but you feel extra bad mentally the next day, however, because your brain needs time to replenish these neurotransmitters.

Things you experience with a mental hangover ("hangxiety"):

• You can no longer put things into perspective
• You can process fewer stimuli
• You are anxious or feel stress
• You are sad or depressed
• You get angry faster

This unpleasant feeling is all a result of the intense effect of alcohol on both your brain and the rest of your body. Don't underestimate this effect. Even from "occasional" drinking, your brain takes a hit and takes days (!) before it can function normally again.

Nutrition for a feeling of happiness

How do you become happier through food? By consuming the below foods regularly!

1. Garlic and onion

Garlic and onion are rich in minerals we need for a fit and healthy brain, including chromium. Chromium determines the absorption of tryptophan, the precursor to the happiness hormone serotonin!

2. Lentils

Lentils contain enormous amounts of nutrients such as folate, manganese, copper, vitamin B1, protein and fiber. Lentils also stimulate the supply of tryptophan and thus the feeling of happiness.

3. Dark chocolate 

Dark, 85% chocolate (or more) is high in antioxidants, and one piece of dark chocolate a day already increases the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Are you into cocoa? Then try our cocoa mix!

4. Cherry tomatoes 

These tasty snack tomatoes derive their red color from lycopene, an ingredient that acts on your happiness system. Preferably choose the organic variety.

5. Beets 

A homegrown power veggie! Red beets contain nitrate which dilates blood vessels. This allows blood to flow better to the brain and allows it to function better. The betaine in beets also supports the liver in removing toxins and lowers inflammation levels. The less inflammation in your body, the better the production of neurotransmitters and happy hormones!

6. Apples

Just under the skin, you will find many antioxidants in apples, which protect your brain from oxidative stress. In addition, apples contain the mineral magnesium which can support the body in times of stress.

So how do you get happier through nutrition? By feeding your body and brain with the right nutrients! Want to read more about healthy nutrition for your brain? Then click here!