Happiness Through Healthy Food
If you are anything like me, happy thoughts involving food usually include strawberry filled churros at the fair, cake with vanilla icing on my birthday, and root beer floats on a warm afternoon. Not one of which would remotely be considered healthy.
Conversely, there are the childhood memories filled with uneaten plates of salad, spinach and brussels sprouts Mom proudly served to make me grow big and strong, even though I was willing to trade fragility just to avoid another green bean.
So then, it may seem impossible for the phrase “healthy food” and the word “happiness” to occupy the same space (except for, admittedly, this specific instance). But there is hope!
Two studies completed within the last few years have linked happiness with consuming healthy food. Interestingly, each study took a completely different approach in study, both concluding that yes, healthy food does indeed lead to happiness.
The first study, conducted in Germany by the Department of Psychological at the University of Kontanz, reviewed the consumption of over a dozen food categories. Their findings showed eating sweets (see churros and cake above) only induced happiness. This may seem to counter the idea happiness is in some way tied to healthy food. However, what the study did find was the participants over all state well-being improved when restricted sugary foods and ate healthy, especially in diets where vegetables were most prominent. Conclusion: healthy food boosts our well-being and general sense of feeling happy.
A second study out of Australia sought to determine if there was a connection between depression and the foods we eat. In trials performed at Deakin University, half of their study group suffering from depression were provided nutritional support, while the other half received emotional support. After twelve weeks, the results clearly indicated subjects conforming to a healthy food diet were much happier than their counterparts.
Just the thought of dieting usually conjures up images of kale salads and cauliflower rice while watching our friends enjoy forbidden foods. However, given enough time, healthy food can stabilize your sugar levels, improve your overall health, and yes… even make you happy!
Featured Blogs
- Fueling Your Mind with Brain-Boosting Foods
- 5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System (and 1 unusual way)
- Embracing Our Roles: Renewing Our Commitment to Sustainable Living
- Tips for a Stress-Free Tax Season Experience
- Spring fitness ideas
- Inspirational women who make the world a better place
- Creating a Positive Start to Your Day
- Spring Forward: Adjusting Your Routine for Daylight Saving Time
- Gratitude - Key to a Positive Mindset
- Adopting a Holistic Wellness Approach to a Healthier You
- 3 Common Sense Things People Should Know
- Exploring Superfoods: Nutrient-Packed Ingredients for a Healthy Diet
- Unraveling the Mystery of the Extra Day
- Digital Detox: A Healthy You in a Hyperconnected World
- Financial Fitness in 2024: Budgeting and Saving Tips
- Three Joyful Habits for a Healthier You in 2024
- New Year's Resolutions: Staying Committed Year Round
- The Magic of Christmas Traditions
- Staying Healthy During the Winter Months!
- How to be a Time Management Whiz During this Busy Season
- Self-care tips for December
- Five Health “Hacks” For Happy Holidays
- Turning 65? Looking at Medicare?
- Turning 65? What You Need to Know about Signing up for Medicare
- The Smart Home: What is that?
- Important definitions to help you understand your life Insurance
- Why an Insurance Agent Makes a Difference When Buying an Insurance Plan
- Preparing For an Emergency
- Davis Insurance Fresh New Look!
- Why Do I Pay Medicare Part B
- Don’t Let Insurance Coverage Gaps Put You at Financial Risk
- It’s February And That Means It’s American Heart Month
- Starting a New Business? Don’t Forget Your Insurance
- How to Stay on Track with Healthy Goals for 2017
- Insurance and Financial Planning Resolution for 2017!
- Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season
- End of the Year Financial To-Do List
- Modest Increases for 2017 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles
- Open Enrollment For Health Insurance is Here!
- Eat Well, Sleep Enough and Move to Stay Healthy
- Four things to know about Medicare Open Enrollment
- Pick a Plan, then Find The Right Doctor