Good Mood Food: Smart Carbs
Foods can boost energy in three ways: by providing sufficient calories, by delivering stimulants like caffeine, and by pushing the metabolism to burn fuel more efficiently. As for mood, the best foods are those that stabilize blood sugar and trigger feel-good brain chemicals, such as serotonin.
Carbs may be the foe of fad diets, but they’re vital for boosting energy and mood. They are the body’s preferred source of fuel, plus they raise serotonin levels. The key is to avoid sweets, which cause blood sugar to spike and plummet, leading to fatigue and moodiness. Instead, turn to whole grains like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and cereal. The body absorbs whole grains more slowly, keeping blood sugar and energy levels stable.
Be sure that you flip the package and read the ingredients. If it doesn’t say “whole (wheat, oat, bran)” within the first two or three ingredients, it isn’t what you are looking for. Many products are making statements of “whole grains” on the front of the package, but including very little inside.
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Arlene, you’re right about reading the ingredients on the package of a bread loaf…it’s surprising how many unwanted ingredients you might actually be paying for if you’re not careful.
Mitchell
I was a bit shocked when I started reading bread labels. Now I only have about 3 that I buy (one of them I order online it’s so good)
I agree about making sure you get a high quality bread loaf. We hear a lot about “complex carbs”; but they are only groups of sugar chained together. Reading labels to check fiber content and whole grain vs “enriched wheat flour” itc is sound advice.
Whole grains make all the differece.
Will you tell me the brands of the breads that you found to be the best? Thanks!
Personally, I like to get breads from Julian Bakery (online), FlatOut Wraps and La Tortilla Factory tortillas.