Recently, I learned some very happy news. I always believed that food and cooking for people brings a lot of joy to a lot of people. However, did you know that there are about 7 foods that actually can make you noticeably happier and reduce symptoms of depression? I know - sounds a little hippy-dippy to me too. That is why I decided to test this concept out and make The Happiest Dinner on Earth (featuring all 7 happy foods) I have to admit, that while there may have been some heavy-duty placebo effects going on here, I was mighty happy by the time I had eaten all of my food. So much so that Morty and I even worked out after (not a joke - we are very good at jumping jacks). |
So before I begin, here are the smile-inducing food items that you are supposedly meant to incorporate heavily into your diet: Dark Chocolate Carbohydrates [Oily] Fish (like Salmon and Tuna) Saffron Whole Fruits and Veggies (specifically dark greens) Coconut Black or Green Tea For those interested, I will quickly explain the depression-reducing qualities of all of these items. For those disinterested, scroll down until you find pretty pictures. Dark Chocolate - Eating 1.4 oz of dark chocolate every day for 2 weeks (the article I read rudely pointed out that eating more than 1.4 oz - 235 calories - of dark chocolate will make you gain weight and thus sad) will noticeably reduce stress hormones, specifically Cortisol. Chocolate always makes me happy, so this explanation really makes no difference to me. Carbs - I actually read a few articles (here and here) about how eating carbs is really handy for individuals dealing with depression, and may actually help you lose weight if you are taking appetite-altering drugs like Zoloft. The reason for this is that carbs help produce Serotonin, the chemical in your brain that makes you happy, and even provides extra energy for further exercise. If you don't eat enough carbs, you can find yourself with increased levels of depression, anxiety, and anger. Not eating a daily bagel can actually make you hangry (hungry+angry). Basically, what I learned from this is that the Atkins Diet is to Depressed People what Milk is to Lactose Intolerant People. |
Fish - Oily and fatty fish can provide you with Omega-3s, which I just learned our bodies don't naturally produce (shame, because apparently they really boost your mood!). Omega 3s can alter your serotonin and dopamine levels for the better. At this point my happy food list is taking a negative turn, as I do not love fishies quite as much as carbs and chocolate. Still, I shall continue. Saffron - Saffron has antidepressant effects similar to those found in Prozac. It provides more serotonin to the brain, and according to a study in Iran, women given the equivalent of a pinch of saffron found that their PMS symptoms like mood swings and depression were considerably reduced. So, to men reading this, every few weeks, throw a pinch of saffron into your girlfriend/wife's food; it may be worth the 6$/oz. Fruits & Veggies - Well, this one seems obvious. According to the British Journal of Psychiatry, a study of nearly 3500 men and women showed that those who ate a diet of whole foods were less likely to feel depressed and sluggish than those with a diet of fried food, desserts, fatty foods, and desserts. So never have fun with your diet or make anything form my blog, and you should be a super happy person! (I lie - I'm sure some moderation can come into play here). The article I read did point specifically to foods high in anti-oxidants like berries, as well as food high in Vitamin B like dark green vegetables to affect the neurotransmitters that impact your mood. |
Coconut - Though the smell makes me gag, apparently it can also subdue your "fight or flight" responses to situations and slow down your heart rate, helping you to relax and better respond to stress. So apparently, since job interviews make me want to gag anyway, I may as well bring some coconut scented candles with me. Green/Black Tea - The opposite of coconut, teas can make your mind more alert and improve attention and focus...which I guess can make you happier? I personally like to be surrounded by a haze of unknowing...Anyway. 5-6 cups of tea should do the trick! So now for my menu... My Happiest Dinner Ever included: - Salmon Wellington, wrapped in puff pastry - Saffron scented coconut rice - Sautéed kale - 8 oz of green tea (no sugars added) - Dark chocolate coconut mousse. So let's get cooking. Salmon Wellington This is a recipe that I have adapted from the one my mother uses which heavily utilizes mushrooms. Hate those. So here is my version with Dijon Thyme Caramelized Onions. You will need: - 1 whole onion - 1 tbsp fresh or dried thyme - 2 tsp dijon mustard - White wine for deglazing - Skinless, boneless salmon filets - Puff Pastry (the only dough I'd rather buy from a a store than prepare myself) Start by preparing your onions. Place your sliced onion, thyme, mustard, salt & pepper to taste into a sauté pan with your choice of olive oil or butter. I put about 1 tbsp of both, as butter adds some extra flavour. Now you very simply prepare the Wellingtons. Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a floured surface, and cut it so that each salmon filet can fit nicely in the middle of each piece. Salt and pepper your salmon, and top with your caramelized onions. Fold up your Wellingtons, sealing the edges with a simple egg wash. |
Now you simply pop them into your 400 degree oven for 25 minutes until they are golden brown. Delish. |
Coconut Saffron Rice
This recipe experienced some trial-and-error. So here is how I finally decided to get my rice working. You will need:
- 3/4 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 can coconut milk (not coconut water)
- 1/2 tsp saffron, crushed, and mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (for added flavour and colour)
This recipe experienced some trial-and-error. So here is how I finally decided to get my rice working. You will need:
- 3/4 cup jasmine rice
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 can coconut milk (not coconut water)
- 1/2 tsp saffron, crushed, and mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (for added flavour and colour)
Bring your water and salt up to a boil. Mix in the coconut milk, rice, and saffron mixture. Cover your pot with a lid, reduce the heat of your stove to medium-low, and allow it to cook for 20 minutes. When done, the milk and water will be fully absorbed into the rice. You can now stir in your turmeric, and serve warm. I have to admit, for someone who hates coconut, this was a very yummy dish. |
Fail-Proof Sauteed Kale This is a great kale dish. I often throw in chickpeas as well, and use it on top of pasta. But here it is in all of its Vitamin B/mood boosting glory. You will need: - 1 tbsp olive oil - 3 cups chopped kale - Zest of one lemon - Juice of one lemon - 1/2 tsp chili flakes - 3 cloves sliced garlic Begin by flavouring your oil. In a sauté pan, combine your oil, lemon zest, chili flakes, and garlic. Cook on medium-to-low heat for about 5 minutes, and the garlic begins to look toasty. |
Toss in your kale, and mix with the oil. Allow it to cook for a few minutes. Once it begins to look wilted, squeeze in your fresh lemon juice. I also toss in the lemon while the kale cooks to bring out any more oils from the rind. Once it is wilted, but still has some texture, you are good to serve! |
So that's my happiest dinner ever! No, wait. It's missing the happiest part. |
Chocolate Coconut Mousse
Again, I hate coconut. This tastes nothing like sunscreen. In fact, it is delicious. All you need is: - 3 oz dark chocolate (Don't worry- this is shared between 2 people. I stick to the 1.4 oz rule) - 1/2 can coconut milk Melt your chocolate. Stir in the coconut milk. Using an electric mixer, make your mixture frothy by mixing on high for 5 minutes. Pour the entire mixture into your serving bowls. Refrigerate overnight or impatiently throw them into the freezer for 1-2 hours. I topped mine with freshly whipped cream, anti-oxidant rich berries, and cocoa powder. |