5 Best Snacks for Mood

Looking for food to change your mood? Tired of the usual comfort food like chocolates you are binging when bad hair day comes?

Well, this is a good news for you and me! :)

Just read on...

Bananas

Bananas offer serious mood-lifting power, with their combination of vitamins B6, A, and C; fiber; tryptophan; potassium; phosphorous; iron; protein; and healthy carbohydrates.

When you eat a banana, you'll get a quick boost from the fructose as well as sustaining energy from the fiber, which helps prevent a blood sugar spike and ensuing drop in energy and mood. Carbohydrates aid in the absorption of tryptophan in the brain, and vitamin B6 helps convert the tryptophan into mood-lifting serotonin. Bananas are also a great source of potassium. Although potassium isn't directly related to mood, it's needed to regulate fluid levels and keep muscles working properly, which is important for feeling energized, a key factor for a sunny outlook. And finally, bananas also offer iron, which is crucial to producing energy and fighting fatigue.

Best of all, bananas are available year-round and are easy to tote -- just make sure to pack them on top!

Get even happier: Bananas are among the best when it comes to mixing and matching mood-boosting snacks. For a sunny smoothie, blend a banana with one handful of spinach, a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, and half a cup of apple juice. Spinach is one of the richest food sources of folate (vitamin B9) you can find, and flaxseed is full of omega-3s. When combined, these nutrients help maintain stable levels of brain serotonin and may help reduce your risk of depression.

For a sweet treat, try a frozen dark chocolate-covered banana, which you'll find in the freezer section of many natural foods stores. Or melt your own dark chocolate at home to dip banana slices in for a satisfying, mood-lifting fondue.

Walnuts

Walnuts contain a handful of components that contribute to a good mood, including omega-3s, vitamin B6, tryptophan, protein, and folate.

Higher blood levels of omega-3s have been linked with better mood and lower rates of depression, while lower blood levels of omega-3s have been associated with higher rates of depression and negative feelings. An animal study authored by Harvard Medical School Professor William Carlezon found that omega-3s and uridine (another substance found in walnuts, which plays an important role in helping metabolize carbohydrates) worked in the same way as standard antidepressant medications.

The standard dosage of omega-3 oils recommended by many experts is one gram (1,000 mg) per day. You'll get about the same amount, as well as a healthy dose of fiber and protein, in just half an ounce of walnuts. About two teaspoons of walnut oil will also do the trick, but you won't get the all the nutrition you would from the whole nut.

Get even happier: Crumble walnuts on top of a serving of organic yogurt for a crunchy and creamy treat with a double-dose of tryptophan.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a super source of folate and magnesium, two substances that play a significant role in regulating and boosting mood. Just a handful of sunflower seeds delivers half the daily recommended amount of magnesium.

Magnesium, in addition to regulating mood, plays an essential role in hundreds of bodily functions. Magnesium deficiency is often responsible for feelings of fatigue, nervousness, and anxiety (since it triggers an increase in adrenaline), and it's been linked to various mood disorders. Sufficient, stable magnesium levels, on the other hand, help us achieve a calm and relaxed state, the perfect precursor to a good mood. It's so effective, in fact, that scientific studies have shown magnesium supplementation to be beneficial in treating major depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia.

Folate (also known as vitamin B9 and as folic acid) is a B-complex vitamin that's intimately linked with nervous system function. Folate deficiency may result in feelings of irritability, depression, and brain fog, as well as insomnia. Being well rested and keeping a clear head are two of the primary factors in fueling a good mood, so snacking on sunflower seeds is a smart move in more ways than one.

Sunflower seeds are a good source of tryptophan and are often recommended by nutritional experts as a natural method of boosting serotonin levels. They're also rich in fiber, which helps maintain stable hormone levels -- one of the keys to keeping even-keeled.

Get even happier: Try this homemade trail mix to blast the blues: Sift sunflower seeds together with almonds, Brazil nuts, raisins, and dark chocolate chunks. Brazil nuts contain selenium, another natural mood booster.

Dark Chocolate

A number of unscientific studies name chocolate the number-one craved food in America, so it makes sense that indulging in chocolate makes for a happy experience. And, as it turns out, there are some real reasons why that's so. For one, chocolate contains a number of substances that elevate mood, including fat, sugar, caffeine, phenylethylamine, flavonols, theobromine, and tryptophan.

Caffeine and theobromine are two naturally occurring stimulants found in chocolate. Along with sugar and fat, these substances provide a swift burst of energy and mood-lifting power. Chocolate also contains the mood-boosting compounds phenylethylamine, tyramine, tryptophan, and magnesium. While these substances are found in many other foods, even in higher concentrations, chocolate has an advantage because of its appeal on several sensory levels: it has a rich, mouth-pleasing texture; an intense taste; and an appealing aroma. For many of us, just the idea of indulging in chocolate is enough to elicit a positive emotional response.

In addition to these natural pick-me-ups, when you eat chocolate, a number of reactions occur, including the release of serotonin in the brain and mood-elevating endorphins in the body. This heady combination can result in a temporarily lifted mood and even a fleeting feeling of euphoria, which may explain why some people turn to chocolate when they're feeling blue.

Finally, cocoa is a natural source of antioxidant flavonoids, which increase blood flow (and thus oxygenation) in the brain, and which may contribute to better brain function. Not all chocolate is created equal, though. For the best health and happiness benefits, go for good-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa level of 70 percent or higher. The more cocoa it contains, the higher the levels of healthy compounds, so the darker the chocolate, the better it is for you.

Get even happier: Chocolate-covered almonds are a decadent snack full of fiber, vitamin E, potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper, tryptophan, and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Almonds help lower the glycemic index of the chocolate, preventing a spike in blood sugar and its resultant low energy and mood. In fact, fiber, manganese, copper, and B2 are power players when it comes to energy production -- and steady energy is a must for a happy mood.

Eggs

Eggs might not be the first food that comes to mind when you think of a snack, but a hard-boiled egg is easy to make and easy to transport. It's also a really good-for-you and good-for-your-mood snack. Full of high-quality protein and omega-3s (from hens eating a diet rich in omega-3s), eggs are also an excellent source ofvitamin B12 (riboflavin) and a good source of vitamins B2, B5, and D. And one boiled egg contains more than 20 percent of the daily recommended amount of tryptophan.

While carbs are crucial for converting tryptophan into serotonin, protein is an important part of the process, too. A balanced diet that includes high-quality lean protein, like you find in eggs, and healthy carbs also helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent emotional highs and lows. And the Vitamin B12 in eggs plays a significant role in the production of energy and helps alleviate memory problems and symptoms of depression.

Get even happier: Add your egg to whole-grain toast for a satisfying snack that will give you a boost of long-lasting energy and fuel a feeling of well-being. Complex carbohydrates are an ideal pairing for protein-rich eggs, since they temporarily produce a calming effect by delivering a dose of tryptophan and triggering the production of serotonin. Carbohydrates also aid in the absorption of tryptophan in the brain.

http://health.yahoo.net/

Now we know! So maybe next time, we will just  eat all of it to be more happier and in good mood always? 

The 10 Biggest Skin Mistakes You Can Make

According to Leslie Baumann, M.D. of Yahoo Health.

1. Using tanning beds. In case you haven’t heard, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified tanning beds as a known carcinogen (i.e. cancer-causer). And if you want to accelerate the formation of wrinkles and/or get skin cancer and unsightly brown spots, using a tanning bed is the best way to do it.

2. Not using SPF daily. One unpublished study by Unilever showed that using just SPF 5 every day for five years prevented significant sun damage. Do yourself and your skin a favor and use a moisturizer with at least SPF 15. You’re moisturizing anyway, right? Most people do not apply enough sunscreen, so using an SPF of 15 should give you at least an SPF of 5.

3. Getting too much sun. 10 to 15 minutes of unprotected sun a few times a week can help your body get its vitamin D fix, but if you’re sitting outside at Starbucks for an hour a day without sunscreen, your skin will remind you years from now.

4. Using the wrong cleanser. If dryness is an issue, a foaming cleanser will only make matters worse. Two of the best cleansers for dry skin are Estée Lauder Soft Clean Tender Crème Cleanser and CeraVe hydrating cleanser. Oily types beware! A cleanser that’s too rich can send oily skins’ sebaceous glands into overdrive. The best cleanser for oily skin is a foaming cleanser such as Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel. Combination skin types will like Paula’s Choice Hydralight One Step Facial Cleanser. If you do not know whether your skin is oily or dry, take the free quiz at www.SkinTypeSolutions.com. (Lists of cleansers that are best for each skin type can also be found in my bestselling book, The Skin Type Solution.)

5. Not using a retinoid. I am often asked “What is the best night cream to prevent aging?” In my opinion, the family of vitamin A creams known as retinoids are the best night creams and I believe that everyone over the age of 20 should be using aretinoid at night. This may help prevent aging and will smooth wrinkles you already have along with preventing acne and exfoliating the skin.

6. Over-exfoliating. How do you know how much to exfoliate? The answer is… It depends on your Baumann Skin Type. If your skin is dry, too much exfoliation strips lipids from the skin, and sensitive types can experience even more inflammation. Exfoliation is best for oily, resistant types.

7. Using daytime moisturizer if you have oily skin. If you’re on the oily side, skip the moisturizer and go straight to the sunscreen. Sunscreens have hydrating ingredients and very oily types make their own fatty acids, so they don’t need a moisturizer. (If you have dry spots, apply moisturizer only to those areas.) Everyone’s skin feels tight after cleansing, since it takes about 30 minutes for oil glands to replenish the skin—so see how your skin feels after 45 minutes and then you’ll know if you need moisturizer. Even better, take the quiz atSkinTypeSolutions.com to determine if your skin is oily.

8. Paying too much for skincare. Are expensive skincare products better? You don’t always get what you pay for. Check out this article to learn when to save and when to splurge on skin care products.

9. Not knowing your skin type. If you don’t know your Baumann Skin Type, you’re probably using the wrong products. Using the right ingredients can make a significant difference in the appearance of your skin.

10. Not getting a full-body skin exam every year. Think of this as a birthday present for your birthday suit—especially if you’ve had two or more bad sunburns in your lifetime. 

A Reminder

 I was looking at old pictures for tomorrow's memes when I saw these particular photos.

And it suddenly reminds me its time to give my tot a dose for deworming.

That one belongs to my sis, she used it before her medical check-up when applying abroad.

Homemade Stir fried Noodles

This was my first attempt to cook stir fried noodles. It took me awhile to cook this really, because I often forgot to buy the ingredients. lol

It is my favorite snack and it is best paired with steamed/fried siomai.

So I bought egg noodles, sprouted mongo [or is there any right term for it?], tofu and chili paste.

And it is easy-peasy to cook. I guess there's no need to elaborate. ;)

There's a tiny glitch though, the noodles were tad overcooked and it lacked sprouted mongo. What a shame! heehee!

Nevertheless, it's still yummy!

I'm not saying it because I cooked it, but its the truth!
Ask the people who have eaten it, lol


Oh well, just think its my first time.

Frugal Find: EGG Bag

I looted this bag at EGG the last time I went to Manila. It was a lucky day for me, because I bought this almost 50% off from the original price.

This is my everyday bag when going to my tot's school.

I Heart Shakey's

The last time I went to Manila I made sure to meet my long time girl friend. I waited for her at Greenhills Shopping Center while roaming around for window shopping.

And when she arrived, we opted to eat in Shakey's - one of my favorite restaurant.

I love the new Shakey's menu, there are additional variants of food to choose from. Well, they have to keep up with other emerging restaurants in town. 

Fried Tilapia

Nail Arts

What is your say about nail arts such as these:

Sure its an art but for me it looks untidy! I can't even bring my nails grow that long how much more decorate it with such embellishment.

No, thank you!

Web Finds: Burberry Leather T-Bar Sandals

 I want!!!!

Lemon?

I know these are lemons. But I'm not really sure.. Haha! It looks like a guava to me actually. Well, the plant grew in our garden and bears its fruit on regular basis. But I find it odd though, I haven't seen it ripen not even once.

While the lemon tree that my Dad planted in the backyard I see the fruit changes its color. But that one? Never.
So I thought, is there any variation??? Or maybe it is a male plant that's why the fruit doesn't ripen?? LOL

Comfy Slip-Ons

I am more comfortable wearing flip flops honestly. Guess how many pairs of Havaianas I got so far? ;)

Well, I do have a pair of Nike shoes but I seldom use it. Because every time I did, my feet aches, it form blisters and then scar. Maybe because I have stopped wearing close shoes for a long time that made my feet uncomfortable.

Of course that doesn't cut  me fancying over sneakers, rubber shoes, slip-ons and the like. The one I usually wear is my Sanuk and I wore that during our wedding two years ago. YES!!! Haha! Sanuk on a wedding? Imagine!!!

Enough about that.

Here's the real topic.

My sis bought this pair of shoes before her flight abroad. A very comfortable slip-on shoes plus its light weight makes her always on the go because its hassle free when in hurry.

She bought it in Baclaran during her off from training at about 300pesos or less..

Bag, Bag, Baaaggg!!!

I have a thing on bags. I have quite a collection of it actually. BUT, only those I can afford to buy. ;) I'm doing my usual browsing when I stumble on this site showing fab bags, sheeessss! I got envious again, *wink*

Raoul Jenny clutch in maroon

Tod's pochette in pony hair black and white combo

Tod's leather pochette in light gray

Raoul Anouk purse in American tan

Burberry medium grainy luggage leather bowling bag in tangerine

Diesel Secret Diva hobo bag

Jimmy Choo Piper bag in black suede elaphe

Bally black and sienna colorblock leather tote bag

Burberry framed luggage leather crossbody bag in mustard

What's your pick??

YS: Steamed Tilapia

Mom cooked steamed fish for lunch today.. I'm tired of eating fried fishes already, so I suggested to her why not steamed fish after all it's been ages since the last time we eat it.

I luuurrrvee it because it's medium hot and the way it was cooked is just so perfect!

Cucumber

This is my snack for three consecutive days now... I bought this last time I went to the market. I sliced and let it swam on sweet and spicy vinegar...

 

The cucumber is a type of melon and comes from the same family as watermelon, zucchini and other squash.  It is cylindrical in shape with lengths of approximately 6 to 9 inches.  Its skin is very similar to watermelon, ranges from green to white.  Inside, the flesh is pale green and very juicy. 
The cucumber is a tropical plant but is also easily available in most part of the world.  However, in some cultures, cucumber is more often used to make pickles, of which most of its nutrients would have been lost.

Nutritional BenefitsCucumber has an impressive amount of water (about 96%) that is naturally distilled, which makes it superior to ordinary water.  Its skin contains a high percentage of vitamin A, so should not be peeled off.The cucumber contains alkaline-forming minerals and is an excellent source of vitamin C and A (anti-oxidants), folate, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, silica, sulfur, and lesser amounts of vitamin B complex, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and chlorine. 

You have seen beauty practitioners use slices of cucumber on their eyes.  It is found that the caffeic acid in this vegetable helps to prevent water retention and when applied topically, helps reduce puffy and swollen eyes. 

Health BenefitsMany people are ignorant of the immense health benefits of cucumber and would avoid eating cucumber where possible.  Fresh cucumber may taste "bland" to some but its thirst-quenching and cooling properties are refreshing. It acts as an anti-oxidant when taken together with fried and barbequed foods. I like to mix cucumber juice with carrot or orange juices.  Here's a list of health benefits of cool cucumber:Acidity: The alkalinity of the minerals in cucumber juice effectively helps in regulating the body's blood pH, neutralizing acidity.  The juice is also soothing for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers.Blood pressure:  Like celery, this colorless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.Connective tissues, building:  The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.Cooling: During dry and hot weather, drink a glass of cucumber + celery juice. It wonderfully helps to normalize body temperature.Diuretic:  Cucumber juice is diuretic, encouraging waste removal through urination.  This also helps in the dissolution of kidney stones.Fever:  The temperature regulating properties in cucumber juice makes it a suitable drink when you have a fever.Inflammation:  The Chinese think that cucumbers are too "cooling" and not suitable for people with rheumatism.  But we know now that cucumber can help counter uric acids that are causing inflammation in joints.  When cucumber is taken it does its cleaning work at the joints, thus stirring up pain as it eliminates the uric acid.  This means it also help other inflamed conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout.Hair growth:  The silicon and sulfur content in cucumber juice makes it especially helpful in promoting hair growth.  Drink it mixed with carrot, lettuce or spinach juice.

Puffy eyes:  Some people wake up in the morning with puffy eyes, probably due to too much water retention in the body (or having cried to sleep).  To reduce the puffiness, lie down and put two slices of cucumber on the eyes for a good ten minutes.

Skin conditions:  The high amount of vitamin C and anti-oxidants in cucumber makes it an important ingredient in many beauty creams for treating eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.Sunburn:  When there is a sunburn, make cucumber juice and rub it on the affected area for a cooling and healing effect.

Water retention:  It supplies the necessary electrolytes and restores hydration of the body cells, thus reducing water retention. 

Consumption TipsChoose cucumbers that are dark green in color and firm to the touch.  Avoid those that are yellowish or are wrinkled at either ends.  Thinner cucumbers have fewer seeds than those that are thicker.Store cucumbers in the fridge to retain its freshness.  Cut cucumbers should be kept wrapped up or in an air-tight container and kept in the fridge.  Consume within a day or two.
Caution

Where possible, buy organic as cucumbers may be waxed or have pesticides.  If non-organic, wash cucumber under cold running water and scrub gently with a vegetable brush.  It might help also to soak it for 5-10 minutes with 1-2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.  http://www.juicing-for-health.com