Protein
Soy
Soy
contains many wonderful elements. Specifically, Omega-6, tryptophan and
isoflavones, (plant hormones), which not only help improve mood,
and prevent depression, but
improves heart and circulatory health, lowers cholesterol, improves bone
health, and improves pre-menopausal transition. Soy is also an
excellent low fat alternative for animal proteins.
According
to Monique Gilbert who wrote the book, "Virtues of Soy", your
best sources are:
"tempeh,
whole soybeans (like edamame), textured soy protein, soynuts, tofu and
soymilk." 1
If
you are turning your nose up to this suggestion, visit Monique's site (1)
and give the "Recipe of the Month" a try. YUM!!
L-tryptophan,
Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Noradrenaline
Magic!
Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, noradrenaline, and L-tryptophan
helps our body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter
that helps carry messages in our brain. Serotonin is known to
improve mood, prevent depression, alertness, promote restful sleep and
improve sex drive. 2,6
Source foods containing
dopamine, norepinephrine and noradrenaline are readily found in chicken
and turkey and other lean protein. Turkey is slightly higher than
chicken. These not only calm you but also make you more
mentally alert. Why do we fall asleep after a great turkey dinner
then? Probably all the carbohydrates that go along with the meal.2
Cooked with out their skins, they can be one of the best low fat
alternatives. Many complain that cooking in this manner removes all
the flavor and makes the meat dry. Marinating in a variety of juices
and herbs can solve these problems, grilling, baking, sauté in defatted chicken
broth, woking, or my favorite, baking with a Reynold's baking bag, all provide a
low fat version of these delights.
Source
foods containing L-tryptophan include: heated milk, turkey,
"roasted pumpkin seeds,
baked potatoes with their skin, and kelp" 3.
These food can
really help "boost" your mood, especially in the winter.
You will also need to increase your intake of vitamin B6.
(we
will cover foods containing B6 in the vitamin section)
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