One organisation however  has spent some time researching the effect that food can have on our state of mind by conducting a study involving more than 200 Britons.

The Food and Mood Project was . . . → Read More: Food and Mood project gains momentum]]> Everyone knows that our mood can be affected by all kinds of environmental factors, such as lack of sleep, alcohol and stress.

One organisation however  has spent some time researching the effect that food can have on our state of mind by conducting a study involving more than 200 Britons.

The Food and Mood Project was launched in the late-1980s by Amanda Geary, who had herself suffered from depression and noticed that certain foods made her feel better while others would send her into a decline. The Project received a financial grant from the mental health charity MIND to carry out its research into the link between diet and depression and the results make for interesting reading.

The 200 participants, aged between 20 and 55 and living in the London area, answered questions about their diet and their mood on particular days and also whether there were any foods that they deliberately ate or avoided depending on their state of mind.

Eighty per cent of those who took part in the survey said that cutting out sweet foods and caffeine had the most beneficial effect on their mood, while reducing their intake of chocolate and alcohol made around 60% of the respondents feel better. Similarly, eating more of some foods seemed to be able to improve people’s state of mind; fresh fruit and vegetables, oily fish and plain old water were the best mind foods according to the survey.

But is there a scientific link between foodstuffs and mental health? Many people would quote the example of the post-Christmas Dinner nap as evidence that certain foods can have a direct impact on the way we feel and behave. The tiny amounts of tryptophan found in turkey is often blamed for everyone feeling sleepy, when the real reason is that most of us have over-eaten and our body is shutting down to give our digestive system a chance to deal with all the food we have sent its way.

The relationship between food and mood is a complicated one; take caffeine and chocolate – two of the “bad” foods according to Geary’s survey. These foods actually create an initial “high” which can make the eater feel great. It is only later that they start to have a negative effect on their state of mind. Chocolate can even be good for your health, as long as you buy good quality products with a high cocoa content; not only do they taste better but they are rich in antioxidants called flavonoids which can actually help reduce cholesterol.

Research in the New Scientist magazine found that pregnant women who ate chocolate throughout their pregnancies actually had happier babies, though it is worth remembering that healthier products like fruit and tomatoes are just as rich in the beneficial flavanols. As with any foodstuffs or alcohol, the key lies in moderation; overdoing anything is where problems lie, be it obesity or an alcohol dependency.

All those people who swear that they can’t get started without their morning cup of coffee are actually being tricked by their own body. That first cappuccino or espresso doesn’t really give you a lift at all; it simply feeds the cravings and withdrawal effects that have been building up overnight while you sleep. Caffeine makes its way into the most unexpected products, but if you really can’t start the day without a hot drink, why not switch to caffeine-free and antioxidant-high green tea. 

The age of the protein shake is upon us and maintaining healthy nutritional habits alongside regular exercise is a common goal for gym goers – including vegetarians.  Still, there are misconceptions about protein shakes and different ‘gym foods’ in general – those who understand what they are eating will see and feel much better . . . → Read More: Getting in Shape at a Health Club while on a Vegetarian Diet]]> An Advertising Feature

The age of the protein shake is upon us and maintaining healthy nutritional habits alongside regular exercise is a common goal for gym goers – including vegetarians.  Still, there are misconceptions about protein shakes and different ‘gym foods’ in general – those who understand what they are eating will see and feel much better results from their workouts.

Protein is the nectar which all aspiring muscle builders seek – some seek in excess and can actually be damaging their health.  Protein shakes available from any health club are perfectly safe when consumed sensibly.  Over indulging can have an adverse effect on the body as humans are only designed to absorb a certain amount of protein, going over that limit can result in the protein being stored as fat.

The amount of protein a single person should be consuming per day depends on their age, size and fitness.  Studying the allergy risks involved with protein shakes is advised before usage.  Consulting a doctor can also help determine how much an individual should ingest per day, alongside their workout routine.

Naturally eating the right foods will always be the most recommended route to go down when sticking to a fitness plan – though some vegetarian foods are not so obvious to pick up from the supermarket shelves.

Protein

Sticking to a red meat only diet will not automatically build muscle – exercise builds muscle.  There are a lot of vegan foodstuffs which are quality sources of protein and are often overlooked.  Tofu, soy and quinoa are rich in protein and vitamins.

Equally, flaxseed oil can enhance the body’s absorption of protein.  It is easily mixed into things like salad dressings and yoghurts.

Carbs

Carbohydrates are better consumed after a workout or race.  Vegetarian foods can be high in carbs and overdoing it can be very uncomfortable.  Bread, pasta and peeled potatoes are good carbohydrate sources but lighter options like apple juice can be more useful prior to workouts.

Iron

Things like dried fruit and nuts can be great vegetarian sources of iron.  Vegetables like broccoli and pumpkins contain enough iron to aid with cell repair during workouts.  Consumption of vitamin C helps the body to absorb more iron whereas drinking coffee can be a hindrance.

Calcium

Flapjacks, porridge and basically anything ‘oaty’ can be a booster to eat before a race or workout.  High in sugar and high in calcium, a bowl of sweet porridge with raisins is a great pre-workout meal to eat if you can handle a heavy stomach.  Alternatively, fruit based cereals are a little lighter and can be just as rich.

Protein shakes can be useful aids to a vegetarian nutrition plan but there are plenty of foods out there that do the same job and do so with less preparation required.  Making the most of a gym membership by visiting regularly is just half the battle – the other, much tastier half, is eating the right foods.

According to the study, if the UK population were to entirely go vegetarian it would have the same benefit to the environment a removing half of all the vehicles off the roads.

In order . . . → Read More: Meat eaters are harming the environment]]> A new study released from Lancaster University has reinforced the fact that meat consumption is hurting the carbon footprint of the UK drastically.

According to the study, if the UK population were to entirely go vegetarian it would have the same benefit to the environment a removing half of all the vehicles off the roads.

In order to determine these numbers, the study took a close look at 61 types of food including cheese and meat, and found that greenhouse gas emissions from the food process created more than 167m tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Authors who published the study in the Energy Policy journal state that when you take a look at how much GHG you could save from six vegetarian diet schemes, and compare it with the exhaust pipe emissions of the average passenger car in the UK, what you see is that diet changes can make the same impact as taking a vehicle off the road.

In fact, author Professor Nick Hewitt claims that switching to vegetarian diets could cut out 40m tonnes of carbon released into the environment every year. However, the idea of everyone switching their diet is a bit unrealistic. Eblex senior director, Nick Allen, stated that reducing emissions via vegetarianism is a bit impractical since it is asking too much of people, in the same way you cannot ask everyone to quit driving and just walk everywhere.

However, encouraging some people to consider the idea is still helping the situation slightly, while also taking a look at how land is used to maximise the production of food without producing as much carbon. Allen stated that the key to reducing emissions is efficiency and productivity on the farms and in the manufacturing plants compared to poor farming activities. 

There is a movement that has explored the link between food and emotional health further; the Food and Mood Project, which was founded . . . → Read More: Chicken soup for the soul, and everything else]]> Everyone knows that chicken soup is the perfect food when you are feeling unwell; as well as the obvious nutritional value, the food also comforts and soothes us while we are our lowest.

There is a movement that has explored the link between food and emotional health further; the Food and Mood Project, which was founded in the 1980s by Amanda Geary.

Geary launched the project after her own battle with depression and began to notice that certain foodstuffs would lift her spirits, while other would leave her feeling flat and listless. Thanks to her own research and local efforts she was given a grant by a mental health charity and the Food and Mood Project was born.

Now, Food and Mood has its own website and online support group, where those who have experienced depression can share their mood-lifting recipes. Geary has even conducted an extensive survey to establish the link between what we eat and how we feel.

Over 200 people between their mid-20s and mid-50s took part in the research and the results make for interesting reading. Eighty per cent of those questioned said that they found cutting down on sugar and caffeine reduced their stress levels, with 60% avoiding alcohol as a way of improving their mental health.

But the Food and Mood Survey wasn’t just about which foods to avoid. The top mood food turned out to be good old-fashioned water, which 80% of the respondents said they used to improve their mental health. This was closely followed by fresh fruit and vegetables and oily fish.

Whilst many may have initially been sceptical of jumpsuits, the playsuit has long been accepted as the perfect alternative . . . → Read More: Jumpsuits and playsuits – hot for 2012!]]> Causing waves in the fashion industry in 2011, playsuits and jumpsuits established themselves as the items to be seen in for a night on the town, summer BBQs, birthday parties and, well, any other occasions you can think of!

Whilst many may have initially been sceptical of jumpsuits, the playsuit has long been accepted as the perfect alternative to a dress. An outfit you can move in without fear of underwear exposure, that you can dress up and dress down accordingly for any occasion – what’s not to like? But the jumpsuit quickly became its biggest rival, its biggest appeal being that it suits all shapes – whether you’re small, tall, petite or curvy, there’s a style and shape to suit everyone.

Well, you can now breathe a sigh of relief, because the playsuit/jumpsuit trend is still very much alive and returning this year with a vengeance! With new styles in line with the trends of spring 2012, this year playsuits for women are all about being flirty, feminine and soft in cute flower or heart motifs.

For night time glamour you should choose a playsuit that is tailored and not too loose fitting on top. If you’re worried about it appearing shapeless, the easiest way to remedy this is to add a thin waist belt, which will break up the lower and upper body and emphasise the design. Accessories are vital for this look, so for a flower patterned playsuit get a chunky long gold necklace and gold bangles, then add length and shape to those legs with a killer pair of heels. Or, for a daytime alternative, dress the look down with cowboy boots, an oversized bag and a flower for your beach-styled hair.

Whilst the playsuit is all about softness, jumpsuits are all about being bold, bright and brave. Perfect for the new colour blocking trend, try it in a dark but bold colour such as blue or purple, and throw on some black heels and a smile – this is all you need for a killer night time look! If you don’t fancy colour blocking, then a tailored black jumpsuit is a chic way of experimenting with the trend, so try one that tapers in at the ankle or has a halter neck top for an uber-stylish effect.

If you try and seek sanctuary in a bookshop in the airport you will only find . . . → Read More: Study tries to find out if money makes you happy]]> If you want to observe humanity in its current state then one of the best places to go is to an airport. You will see many people who are rushing around, talking on their mobile phones or interacting with electronic devices.

If you try and seek sanctuary in a bookshop in the airport you will only find many self-help books promising to make you rich, or thin, or happy. The question many people will find themselves asking is whether people who have money are actually happy.

Edward Diener is a psychologist at the University of Illinois in the United States. He has been studying whether wealth makes someone happy and this is something he has been doing for over a quarter of a century. One of the key findings of this study is that despite people in the US having a higher purchasing power than some other nations, they would not rate themselves as happier.

Other countries with lower purchasing power such as Canada, Ireland and Switzerland have more citizens who are satisfied with their life than in the US. Diener states that as long as people have enough money to meet their basic needs then increasing the amount they earn has a relatively little effect on their happiness.

His research shows that most people spend a lot of time focusing on changing their external environment in the belief that it will make them happier but many people who find themselves having successfully changed this are not any happier than they were before.

Another factor that many people assume will make them happy is being successful or good-looking. However, there are countless examples of famously attractive people who’ve had crises and found themselves no happier than anyone else. This is something that can particularly strike when the physical results of ageing set in.

Dr Martin Seligman works at the University of Pennsylvania and is the founder of the Positive Psychology Centre. He states that happiness comes from our internal qualities rather than our external environment and says that character strengths are the key to happiness. He identifies 24 individual strengths which people can thrive on, including such things as kindness, curiosity, hope and creativity.

Psychologists who talk about happiness generally state that happy people are those who are content and have achieved peace of mind. This is something that does not happen from external factors, but happens with an acceptance of our internal states. A great deal of modern thinking is that material objects might bring us happiness in the short-term, but it is not something that will last.

Many people think that they can derive happiness from material objects because society means that we are projecting ourselves into things we own. If we want to be happy then it is important to disconnect from these objects and realise that lasting happiness cannot come from the material possessions we accumulate but that it comes from inside us and this is where the core happiness can be found.

There are other more important ways to achieve balance in your life, ways that could . . . → Read More: Finding a balance in life]]> It is not uncommon to hear people talking about achieving balance in their lives; and this usually refers to a balance between how much time and effort they spend on their work compared to how much they spend doing things they enjoy.

There are other more important ways to achieve balance in your life, ways that could end up improving your mental and physical well-being. Those who neglect either their emotional, psychological or physical needs end up feeling very unbalanced and very unhappy indeed.

Many people don’t realise the strong links that exist between physical health and mental health despite the evidence to the contrary. Take insomnia; not only does the sufferer feel tired the next day but they also find themselves feeling angry and short-tempered with those around them, leading everyone to feel unhappy.

Simple things such as getting a good night’s sleep, eating well and taking exercise can have an enormously beneficial effect on our emotional and mental health too. Having a balance in all areas of life is not necessarily easy to achieve in this hectic world, but it is worth making the effort to try because the rewards are so great.

People who feel they are struggling to achieve the kind of balance that will make them happy should start by making a list of the areas of their life that they want to improve. This list can include anything and will be different for different people; one may focus on aspects of their working life, another on their relationship and a third on family matters.

Once you have compiled the list, give yourself an honest score for how happy you feel with that particular part of your life. Soon, you will begin to see for yourself the aspects that need the most attention.Start with the lowest score and try to think what you can do to improve your situation in that area. After working your way through each one, you will be a lot closer to achieving the balance you are looking for.