And finally…number 5 in my Top 5 Good Mood Food list is:

5. Popcorn!

Why does popcorn come in on the top 5 list?

First of all, popcorn is just straight fun. It’s fun to make, it’s fun to eat and it smells like the movies. Positive associations are definitely going to lift our mood and popcorn is a good-times food.

What makes popcorn so special?

• Popcorn is carb-rich but low GI (glycemic index) and these kinds of food make our serotonin levels rise, making us feel relaxed and happier.
• Popcorn is also high in fibre and with a low GI – it’s just like the carbs found in fruit, vegetables and whole grains (these are all mood enhancing foods!).
• Popcorn gives us a slow-burning source of energy that is much more stable and balancing than getting a quick hit of cake or biscuits.
• Home-made popcorn is 100% healthier than microwave or pre-made options. They are usually full of horrible flavour additives.

Warning: all carbohydrates are not equal.

We need to be careful about stuffing ourselves full of nasty, high GI, high sugar, processed carbs – as these will have the same effect as poor quality chocolate. We’ll experience instant gratification followed by a big ol’ low and then more craving – leading to weight gain and generally poor health. I call these ‘Bad Mood Foods’. Rather than levelling us out, they throw the balance of our internal chemistry right out of whack.

Other things relegated to my Bad Mood Foods list include:

• All energy drinks – stay away! They’re poison, especially the sugar free options. Quick fix – long term damage
• Junk food & Fast food. This is pretty self-explanatory.
• Anything that has its own TV commercial.

Final notes:

• Eating a diet low in processed food and high in fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein is scientifically known to be a key factor in not only physical, but also mental health.
• Don’t forget the power of simple things like sunshine and exercise to lift your spirits too. Vitamin D (from the sun) really works! And exercise releases endorphins, which are our bodies’ natural way of getting high.
• Also, sometimes an undiscovered food intolerance can really affect your moods, so if you feel a little out of sorts a little too often it could be worth getting yourself checked out for food sensitivities as they’re fairly common these days.

Food and mood are completely related – remember 80% of our serotonin is found in the gut so we really are a reflection of what we eat. It can influence our thoughts, moods and emotions. Talk about having ‘gut feelings’.

Think about your food choices and go for things that will make you healthier and happier in the long-term rather than the quick fixes.

Real food = good mood. 

popcorn sure does make you happy.

The author enjoying a well-earned writing snack break – This stuff is great!

Happy eating!