With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching (though not rapidly enough) a lot of us are starting to think about that deliciously overindulgent Thanksgiving meal. In general, many of us may be craving a break from the dining hall food as we travel home for break. But before we get there, before we get home and to Thanksgiving dinner, we first have to get through a couple more projects, assignments, and exams. As you’re preparing to face these final obstacles to your well-earned break, you should remember this: you are what you eat.
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Yes, I know, we’ve all heard this expression before when a parent tells us to forgo that extra cookie or tries to persuade us to finish our veggies. What you may not realize is that some foods can actually affect your mind in addition to your body. According to Healthline, one way to improve your happiness is to, “eat with mood in mind.” Here’s the breakdown they provide of how certain foods can impact your mood:
- Carbohydrates release serotonin, a “feel good” hormone. Choosing complex carbs, such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains, can help you avoid a crash while still providing serotonin.
- Not all Carbs are created equal: Keep simple carbs — foods high in sugar and starch — to a minimum since they cause an energy surge that ends in a fast crash.
- Lean meat, legumes, poultry, and dairy are high in protein. Eating protein-rich foods releases dopamine and norepinephrine, hormones that boost energy and concentration.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, most commonly found in fatty fish, have anti-inflammatory effects that extend to your overall brain health.
The article also recommends avoiding highly processed foods because they will typically leave you feeling sluggish and mentally tired.
Now, if you’re anything like me and you sometimes struggle to find a good meal at the dining halls, it may seem difficult to really eat with your mood in mind. By no means do I expect anyone (including myself) to modify their entire diet to follow the information provided above. However, you don’t have to follow a strict meal plan to get the benefits of eating these certain foods. Instead, try to make just one change to your eating habits. Maybe instead of reaching for a Simple carb breakfast pastry, you go for whole grain toast, yogurt, and fruit instead.
At the end of the day, we’re busy college students and it’s difficult to get the right mix of foods from above at our dining halls. Don’t worry about changing your diet, just focus on making one good food choice at a time. Change one habit. Substitute something you normally eat for a better option once a week. Just try it and see how you feel! Personally, I tried this by changing what I was eating for breakfast and I noticed myself feeling more awake and more focused in my morning classes.
Good luck with your final week before break!
Until next time,
Avi Mazer
Source: How to Be Happy: 27 Habits to Help You Live a Happier Life (healthline.com)