A parade of the tastiest mood enhancers. “Happy Food”? “Mood food”? “Soul Food”? Foods that make you happy? Read more now!
Of course, healthy, balanced nutrition that also tastes good and keeps you full for a long time is very much in fashion. But who actually still gets through with all the English and new German terms and designations? happy food? mood food? Food for the soul? And what is soul food? Don’t panic! This post will help you navigate the “jungle” of many, many foods that make you happy.
What Actually Is Happy Food And What Does It Trigger In The Body?
Don’t let the English terms circulating on the internet confuse you! Happy food and mood food e.g. B. are almost identical in content. They designate foods that can be more or less clearly assigned to the following groups: low-fat/white meat, fish, vegetables, legumes, fruit, and healthy oils/fats. Ginger, (all) berries, dried fruit, chili, vanilla, and (almost all types of particularly protein-rich) fish are frequently cited as prominent individual examples of mood food/happy food. This short list could be extended at will. Well-known representatives are also legumes, whole grain products, bananas, pineapple, cabbage, and chicken or turkey meat.
Foods That Make You Happy – Which Foods Make You Happy?
In addition to their essential function as a feel-good factor with a high tryptophan content, these foods also have other nutritional benefits, which is why they should be made an integral part of a healthy diet. Here is just a short selection of my personal favorites:
The banana – the “monkey cutlet” highly praised not only by athletes is a real all-rounder! A banana weighing 100 g already covers 20% of the daily potassium requirement of an average adult, 12% of the magnesium requirement, and at least 16% of the vitamin C requirement.
The avocado – although it is high in fat, it has almost no carbohydrates that are a burden. It is also very filling and very easy to enjoy with a spoon and some (herbal) salt.
The pineapple – doesn’t need to hide itself and its nutritional values either and provides the important vitamins A, B, C, and E, among other things. With its pleasantly mild sweetness and water content of almost 85%, it makes us happy, especially as the ideal summer fruit.
The walnut – is also a real all-rounder! Rich in good fats (especially omega-3 fatty acids), proteins and carbohydrates. It also contains potassium (which strengthens the heart) and zinc (which strengthens the liver, skin, and hair). Now in summer, it is particularly in demand in combination with fresh salads, spreads, and cream cheese.
List Of Foods That Make You Happy
Here is a list of mood-enhancing foods or foods that put you in a good mood as an overview. Of course, these are not all foods that make you happy!
- pineapple
- avocado
- bananas
- Berry
- chili
- dates
- strawberries
- lean/white meat
- Fish
- vegetables
- healthy oils/fats
- grapefruits
- Chicken and turkey meat
- legumes
- Ginger
- cocoa
- kiwis
- cabbage
- melon
- nuts
- fruit
- tomatoes
- Grapes
- dried fruit
- vanilla
- whole grain products
- Lemons
Which Happy Food Is Particularly Popular In Summer?
On hot days, the fruity-sweet classics are the foods that make you happy. In addition to the already mentioned bananas, pineapples and kiwis, (water) melons, strawberries, grapes, but also lemons, limes, and grapefruits make us happy during this time. Freshly prepared juices or smoothies (from one or more of the ingredients mentioned) are also ideal for keeping a cool head at 30 degrees.
These simply delicious summer delicacies are perfect foods that make you happy. They have one thing in common. They provide the body with a lot of valuable fluid, which is particularly important in the warm months of the year. Therefore, they are very popular in nutrition to be happy or in eating that makes you happy.
How Much Fluid Do I Need To Drink Daily To Be Happy?
Foods that make you happy. Water is also part of itAs in so many cases, it is not possible to make a general statement here either. Depending on the activity, however, it should already be approx. 2-3 l (alcohol-free and (if possible) sugar-free) liquid. The rule of thumb for a healthy adult is about 35 ml per kilogram of body weight. If that seems like a lot, here are two pieces of good news: 1. Everything counts to this amount, not just the sip of water at work in between, but also the coffee or cappuccino for breakfast and the apple spritzer for lunch.
How Can I Improve My Mood Through Eating Habits? What Can I Do About A Low Mood?
Here are a few simple principles: Watch what you eat! The dose makes the poison. Eat a balanced diet in moderation! That may sound like hackneyed generalities, but in order to not only feel satisfied after eating but also to feel happy, you should keep these guiding principles in mind, even in hectic everyday life. To implement them, there are a few rules:
- Don’t eat what’s quick, eat what you like. As long as it’s not the currywurst with fries every day, everything is perfectly fine!
- Never eat while walking or standing! Take your time! Eating is more than just taking in food.
- If possible, do not eat at work! The food should be the main program and not the accompaniment. So don’t get distracted! The food at work is not particularly appetizing anyway!
- Chew your food thoroughly! Don’t just gobble it down!
- If you’re dining with friends, have conversations while eating!
- The eye eats with you. Arrange your food on the plate as an appetizing portion!
- Develop eating rituals that promote your well-being. These can be small things: a delicious drink, a beautifully designed tableware or a “bon appetit” before the meal, maybe some subtle music in the background or a delicious (small) dessert …
These are all tips that can also help you to overcome low moods in everyday life. Just try it …
Read also: Fit And Healthy Through The Winter
What Is Soul Food? … And Can I Eat It At All?
Soul food means “food for the soul” on the one hand, but can also be translated as “soul food” because it goes back to the traditional, Afro-American food culture of the US southern states. Initially decried as “slave food” because of their simplicity, these dishes have long since found their way into North American kitchens and restaurants. And I, too, am downright enthusiastic about the tasty components of this whole-food diet.
Would you like a little taster? For those who like to eat polenta or semolina, Grits is for you. These very nutritious grits are ideal as an accompaniment to meat dishes. The cornbread, which is very popular in the USA, should not be missing from a rich meal and actually goes very well with everything. Grilled chicken and spare ribs are just as much a staple as sweet potatoes, which are becoming increasingly popular in Germany.
The pumpkin should not be missing, especially in autumn and winter. Fish and mussels are popular, and the greasy calorie bombs known as hushpuppies (fried balls made from flour, cornmeal, and buttermilk) also cause a storm of enthusiasm. The soul food kitchen favors cola or iced tea as drinks with meals. Yes, but wait! Isn’t soul food way too greasy and doesn’t it have way too much sugar? Am I even allowed to eat this?
The answer: Of course, you can. “Soul food” today is much more than just typical dishes from the US Southern States. Rather, it is a generic term for a rich, very nutritious, and tasty meal that can also be made vegetarian (and even vegan). Many ingredients are also fantastic as party food.
In general, there is nothing wrong with one Soul Food day a week (even when you are on a diet). Experience a true sense of well-being with the tasty good mood makers from this trendy kitchen. Incidentally, German and European dishes can also be fantastically integrated into a soul food dish.