Vacation Foods to Improve Your Mood
September 27, 2011
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Seattle
• 0 Comments
Vacation Foods to Improve Your Mood
Vacations are supposed to be enjoyable, a time for family and fun. They can also be quite demanding, especially when it comes to what you are eating. Busy schedules can delay normal meal times for hours, and lengthy road trips can mean eating out more than you are used to. And, if you’re on a diet, forget about it.
These pressures could easily lead to grumpiness and irritability that has nothing to do with sharing a beach house with your Aunt Margaret. The different levels of nutrients from your altered eating patterns may be to blame. We’ve put together this list of nutritional foods that can help. They are all easily carried with you or found on the road. And you don’t have to be a Seattle culinary school graduate to prepare them. Most don’t even need to be cooked.
Water
That lackluster, tired feeling you’re experiencing could easily be dehydration, especially if you are travelling by air. Try to keep a 16 oz. bottle of water with you at all times. If you are traveling to the beach, tropical climates, or high altitudes you’ll want to double your regular water intake to avoid dehydration.
Tea
We just told you to drink lots of water so why are we now recommending tea? Well, there are plenty of healthy ingredients in tea that can lead to mood improvement, not the least of which is that little caffeine jolt it provides. One ingredient, theanine, has been shown to have calming effects. If caffeine is a problem, remember that green tea has less than black tea, and white tea has even less than green.
Dark Chocolate
It doesn’t take pastry school to appreciate the qualities of dark chocolate. But why does it taste so good? Well, science says that it’s more about chemical stimulus than flavor. Studies have shown that chocolate may contain as many as 400 different compounds that can alleviate stress and promote a better mood. High cocoa content dark chocolate is the healthy choice. It’s collection of mood enhancers and healthy flavonoids are not only good for the mind but also the body.
Greens
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean that burgers and fries should become your new best friends. When you can, order mixed greens salads, spinach, or other greens. They are high in B vitamins that have known affects on managing mood and anxiety levels. Short on greens? Try a supplement.
Fish
Fish, especially salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, are full of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for both heart and mental health. Some doctors are even prescribing omega-3 fish oils for patients with stress-related mental health issues.
Whether you are on vacation or not, one key to properly managing mood and anxiety levels is to eat nutritious foods. Avoid empty calories like sugar, alcohol, salty snacks, and bread-based carbohydrates. Try to increase your protein intake and consume adequate amounts of unsaturated fats. Don’t over do it with the food or the fun and you’ll have a great time on vacation.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Seattle. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Seattle offers culinary arts and pâtisserie and baking training programs in the Seattle, Washington area. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu/Seattle for more information.
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