Comfort in food: it is one of the most spontaneous, innate remedies for when we feel sad. And this is in addition to the third Monday in January, Blue Monday, conventionally since 2005 the saddest day of the year identified between the cold of winter, lack of light, Christmas holidays now forgotten and return to routine according to the theory developed by psychologist Cliff Arnall of Cardiff University.
There are several ways to improve your mood and become more positive and productive. As emerges from the Mood Food trend identified thanks to the seventh edition of Just Eat's Food Home Map, there are positive emotions from food, in particular related to a feeling of fulfillment and relaxation (51%), satisfaction (36%) and happiness (25%) and as many as 95% of Italians believe that food influences mood. After enjoying their favorite food, people experience a feeling of gratification and happiness, but also relaxation and comfort, emotions experienced by older people (>54 years old), increased energy and positive mood, and finally, momentarily forgetting stress.
Among the favorite foods of Italians are carbohydrates, sweets and fried foods, recognized as the most suitable foods to improve mood. At the top of the ranking are, in fact, pizza and focaccia, which make more than 60% of Italians feel better; This is followed by desserts, including ice cream, which takes third place on the podium, followed by chocolate. In the rest of the ranking we find burgers and fries, fried foods and the oriental flavor of sushi. There is also a high consumption of foods with beneficial properties such as fish dishes, pasta or rice dishes and fresh fruit. At the bottom of the ranking, meat and cheese dishes and dairy products.
Serotonin on, here's how
Dishes with a source of carbohydrates and sugars, such as bread, pasta and fruit, are the preferred energy of the human body and are able to increase the levels of serotonin, the famous "feel-good hormone". Cocoa, as well as tea and coffee, also contain substances capable of giving an energy boost; while chocolate stimulates the production of serotonin and endorphins, capable of making us smile again.
Sight also plays a fundamental role in the perception of food and can influence our mental well-being: colorful vegetables, such as broccoli, beets, spinach, citrus fruits, bananas, kiwi and apples, and seasonal vegetables not only offer nutritional benefits, but also positive visual stimuli. In addition, such foods are rich in antioxidants, and several studies show that these can have positive effects on mental health.
Craving a sweet tooth? If it's called tiramisu, there must be a reason!
As the title says - tiramisu - it is the perfect dessert to fight sadness with food: it is the most famous spoon dessert in the world with that mix of coffee, ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, cocoa. According to research conducted by Just Eat in collaboration with BVA Doxa, most people say they feel a feeling of well-being after eating a dessert, especially younger people (18-34 years old). The approach to this category is mainly influenced by positive emotions, especially connected to a feeling of satisfaction, particularly evident in people between the ages of 55 and 64. 51% of Italians say they eat sweets to gratify themselves, eating something tasty; while 32% say they eat sweets to recharge their batteries, eating something that gives them energy. Sweets are also associated with the desire to indulge in a moment of relaxation, the pleasure of enjoying a moment of personal satisfaction and the possibility of experiencing a feeling of happiness. When eaten, 80% of Italians say their mood benefits in whole or in part. In particular, the male target and people living in the South, in moments of discouragement or weakness, say that their attitude is positively conditioned by a sweet dish. A curious fact of the research is related to the time slot in which sweets are ordered: in the evening and night hours the record of orders is reached with a peak at 19 pm and more generally from 18 pm to 22 pm.
Dried fruit and chocolate bye bye sadness
Stay fit and increase endorphins. What?
1. Dried fruit and chocolate: bye bye sadness!
These two foods, in addition to being delicious, promote the production of tryptophan, the hormone of good mood. A boost of energy and serenity, ideal for finding the right energy and motivation to leave the duvet in the morning! The ideal way to enjoy them? Use them, suggests Cortilia, which has dedicated real 'happiness kits', as toppings for yogurt and porridge
2. Hot n' Fun
Aphrodisiac, metabolism accelerator and endorphin booster. Chili pepper has all the characteristics to make you smile again in no time! It can give an extra edge to pasta dishes. Another suggestion? Let it soak in olive oil as an accompaniment to croutons, pizza and focaccia.
3. Carbohydrate, what a passion!
Never heard people say, "Are you sad? Eat pasta!"? It has been scientifically proven that carbohydrates, especially those found in pasta, can improve mood thanks to the combination of tryptophan and B vitamins naturally present in this food.
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