How to maintain a happy mood while on a Low Carbohydrate Diet by Jessica Kerley

Diets are common place amongst many Americans today and one of the most popular diets is the low carbohydrate diet, or low-carb diet. This diet will yield great weight loss results and can also help in maintaining a positive emotional balance if the proper food combination is used while on the diet.

Any level of dieting can cause a decrease in neurotransmitter production which may lead to hormonal imbalances, cravings, low energy, mood swings, low sex drive, interrupted sleep patterns and a lack of focus.

There are three neurotransmitters; dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. When combining foods that contain these chemicals you will experience increased alertness, concentration, relaxation, calmness, increased energy, increased blood flow to the brain and happiness. The hormone Serotonin is the most known neurotransmitter that helps to create a happy state of being. Serotonin is made from one of the twenty amino acids called tryptophan which is an essential amino acid. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body so they have to be obtained through diet.

Protein rich foods like eggs, cod and salmon are the main source of tryptophan. A few great choices for vegetarians are soybeans, sesame seeds and spirulina. In order for the effects of tryptophan to travel to the brain, a good source of carbohydrate and minerals are needed.

To make your weight loss journey a happy, successful one, you need to limit your intake of refined carbohydrates such as white starches and processed grains and replace them with three a day servings of brown rice, sweet potatoes, millet, sprouted grains, quinoa, oatmeal, yams, barley, and fruit . These carbohydrates will stabilize your blood sugar, boost your metabolism and trigger serotonin.

Always combine your low glycemic carbohydrate with a lean protein source for better absorption and utilization. Also, make sure you meet your daily intake of vitamin B. B vitamins play a major role in neurotransmitter production, energy production and carbohydrate metabolism. Foods like broccoli, brussels sprouts, fruit and collard greens are all great choices for those B vitamins.

If you need a mood booster, try a serving of cashews, almonds, and strawberries, red wine or dark chocolate.

As always, enjoy a healthy variety of food and listen to your body, it knows what's best!

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