Found a book that might offer some good ideas for mood food. It’s called Happy, Healthy Brain by Michelle Babb. She is a registered dietitian, so her ideas are solid not speculative.
The first couple chapters of the book outline the association between food and its affect on our body. She takes us down the biochemistry pathway pointing out the mind/body/food connection. The biochemistry of our bodies is fascinating to me- so this section was awesome – could even have been a little more in-depth.
Michelle holds your hand as she leads you through the complexities of breaking old habits and starting anew. She gives step-by-step instructions on stocking your pantry, identifying kitchen equipment for recipe success, and listing foods that are not compatible with mood food.
Her eating plans provide a cycle menu, shopping lists and recipes for each food item. The menu plans include, 1) Energy Booster, 2) Mood Stabilizer and 3) Memory Enhancer. You pick one and she has a menu cycle, shopping list, and recipes. The nice thing about the menus is they are realistic. Food prepared today may last more than one meal through the week.
Each recipe has a difficulty meter – which would certainly help those of us that are not enthusiastic about anything, let alone starting a new eating regime. The recipes vary in comfort. For example, a morning smoothie including hemp and broccoli may take some getting used to. (when are researchers going to associated comfort foods with health??) But in all fairness the book has piqued my interest. I bought pre-made kefir and tried it. Not a perfect food – but those pro-biotics helped me with my morning ‘routine’.
This week I’m going to try the recipes – with an open mind- and report back.
Bitterroot Nutrition 