We’ve spoken about food to get you in the mood before- but there’s a bit more to be said on the subject.  

Your new relationship is going well and you want to keep it that way so work on keeping yourself healthy- and in a good mood- that will help smooth things on their way won’t it?

So what should you put on your plate to get a good mood going?

I’m sure you can recall the relaxing feeling you’ve had after a good meal? Well that’s because the neurons in our brain manufacture soothing neurotransmitters –that actually come from the food we eat!  Many of the neurotransmitters are actually put together from the breakdown of proteins that we digest (into amino acids).  Take for example the neurotransmitter serotonin- this is made from the amino acid tryptophan (which we get in protein rich foods) and is believed to lead to feelings of relaxation and sleepiness.  Now the process is all a little more complicated than just eating more protein and therefore feeling happier- mainly because that tryptophan amino acid could be competing with 20 other amino acids to get into the central nervous system.  Yet scientists are looking into the role of serotonin in controlling certain types of depression.  So on your plate tonight- and even the next night- it’s worth making sure you eat protein rich foods to ensure an adequate supply of amino acids- try foods such as meat, eggs, fish and  milk. 

Scientists also believe that carbohydrate rich foods are associated with the making and releasing of serotonin in the brain- leading to feelings of calm and drowsiness. That’s why, in prisons, they feed the inmates carbohydrate rich foods to ensure a tranquil post lunch atmosphere!

Not only this, but carbohydrates are essential in keeping blood sugar at an optimum level- if you let your blood sugar levels fall too drastically (i.e. if you haven’t eaten for hours) then you’ll find yourself becoming irritable and grouchy; not a good idea when you’re in the early stages of getting to know someone!  So add to your plate: bread, pasta, potatoes to  ensure adequate carbohydrate supplies. Your body will break this down into glucose molecules which will keep your brain and body supplied with the energy it needs.