“If you’re eating well — and treating yourself, because life is too short not to indulge — your body is getting the nutrients and energy it needs and that makes us feel great,” Gabriela explains. “Eating a balanced diet means our bodies are getting a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, essential nutrients and energy to keep us going. These contribute to our physical wellbeing, and to our mental wellbeing.”

By eating nutritious foods that you actually enjoy, you’ll feel much better than by forcing yourself to eat healthy things you don’t like.

“Focus on foods that meet your nutritional needs for 80 per cent of your meals and save 20 per cent for more indulgent foods,” she advises. “I always try to incorporate lean protein, green vegies and whole grain carbs in every meal. This way I can enjoy my favourite glass of vino at dinner and know my body is still balanced.”

Gabriela says that restricting yourself from foods you love, “only makes you focus on it more”. Consider this permission to have your favourite treats every now and then! “Restrictive diets and eating plans tend to provide insufficient energy and nutrients, meaning you crave the things you’re not giving your body,” she explains.

“Constantly battling against your body’s natural hunger cues can really impact your mood, which is why people can’t stick to them for long.”

Instead, she recommends making small, sustainable tweaks to your lifestyle that will last long-term. Gabriela also suggests “reclaiming” the word ‘diet’ to mean, “the foods and drinks you chose to consume, rather than what restriction you are following.”

“When it comes to feeling good about your body it’s important to remember that everybody is different and to embrace your uniqueness instead of comparing yourself to others,” says Gabriela. “We all need to take a step back sometimes and realise how amazing our bodies are. Stretch marks, dimples and wobbly bits are all normal and beautiful.”

She adds that carrying excess weight can be detrimental and is linked to many serious health conditions.

“[However], it is perfectly normal to fluctuate when it comes to weight, and the number you see on the scales shouldn’t be the be all and end all,” says Gabriela.

These foods are thought to increase the level of the ‘happy hormone’. So, stock up!

Dark Chocolate
Milk and white chocolate aren’t helpful here, but chocolate with at least 70 per cent cocoa helps release dopamine in your brain. Dark chocolate also has plenty of magnesium and zinc, which can help stabilise moods.

Bananas
The tropical fruit contains tyrosine, which is an amino acid the body use to produce dopamine. Eating a bane at peak ripeness is said to deliver the most tyrosine.

Nuts & Seeds
Nuts (almonds in particular) and seeds contain high amounts of tyrosine and can help increase dopamine n the brain. Brazil nuts contain selenium, which is associated with improving moods.

Text: Bauer Syndication

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