Taste the joy: how food helps you be happy

If yes, then you know that taste and mood are two things that live in the same universe. Let's find out what foods can make your day happier and why you shouldn't beat yourself up over an "extra" piece of deliciousness.

The secret of sweets: eat candy - save the world

Sweets are essentially an over-the-counter antidepressant. A small piece of chocolate stimulates the production of serotonin, the joy hormone. And it's important not to overestimate your willpower here: if a bar of chocolate disappeared while you were reading the ingredients, it's not your fault, but its magical ability to give happiness.

Of course, there is a nuance: you don't have to look for dark chocolate with 99% cocoa content as if it were a medal of excellence. If you prefer milk chocolate, eat it. Joy is also a vitamin that should be consumed, not ignored.

Pasta and bread: plunge into the arms of carbohydrates

"Pasta for dinner? Carbonara again?" Yes, and that's totally fine! Carbohydrates are fuel for our brains. They raise glucose levels, and with it, mdash; our mood. Think of a plate of spaghetti as a warm blanket for your soul.

Moreover, many nations around the world have built their culinary traditions around carbohydrates: pasta in Italy, rice in Japan, baguettes in France. Do you think these people are wrong? Not at all, they just know that happiness really does taste like freshly baked bread.

Fruit: how to eat dessert and stay on the side of health

Some people will say, 'Fruit is not a dessert.' But that statement is in desperate need of a reboot. Mangoes, bananas, pineapples - they're all full of natural fructose, which works on our brains just like your favourite cake. Plus, bananas are champions among anti-stress fruits because they are rich in vitamin B6, which helps produce the same serotonin.

Don't forget about citrus fruits as well. Besides adding vitamin C, their smell can instantly lift your mood. So the next time you're feeling sad at heart, peel an orange and feel the world become a little brighter.

Coffee and tea: the official drinks of happiness

Coffee is not just a drink, but a ceremony, a small ritual of joy. It stimulates the production of dopamine, the motivation hormone But if coffee is your superpower, don't forget the balance. A cup or two lifts your mood and heel makes your heart chase marathon records.

If coffee doesn't appeal to you, try green tea. It contains theanine, which calms the nervous system without depriving you of energy.

Nuts and avocados: food for the smart and happy

Avocados may seem like an 'always in fashion' food, but they're not just a trend. magnesium, zinc and loads of other goodness.

And remember, no one has ever felt bad about eating avocado toast. Unless it was too expensive, but that's a question of price, not product.

Why shouldn't you beat yourself up over food?

Let's be honest: food is a pleasure. If a scoop of ice cream makes you feel happier after a difficult day, it's not a crime, it's self-care. After all, your taste buds aren't just made to suffer through broccoli and boiled chicken. Don't be afraid to eat what brings you joy. The secret is balance. A piece of cake will not become a problem if you eat it without guilt. On the contrary, it will become your ally in the fight against stress and fatigue.

Small rituals of happiness

Did you know that even the very process of cooking can be a therapy? Light a candle, put on some music, cook something delicious for yourself. Choose a nice plate so standing in the sideboard waiting for the right moment. It's not just a dinner, but a small investment in your mood.

Remember: food is neither an enemy nor a reward. It is a support, a resource and a fulfilment. There is nothing worse than eating something delicious and then feeling guilty about it. It completely negates all the positive effects. If you feel like eating pizza, eat it. If you fancy ice cream at -10°C - why not?

Here are some tips to savour life (and food) without remorse:

• Listen to your body: eat when you're really hungry, not for company or out of boredom.
• Choose quality foods: natural, fresh, without artificial additives.
• Cook with love: even the simplest dish, cooked with a soul, will be tastier.
• Eat with pleasure: take your time, savour every bite, enjoy the flavour.
• Do not be afraid to experiment: try new dishes, discover new flavours.
• Do not bother yourself for small weaknesses. If you feel like eating something "forbidden", eat it! Life is too short to deny yourself pleasures.

The best advice I've heard in my entire life is "noses while it fits, eat while it tastes good" and it's true, there may not be tomorrow, or we may get sick and not taste it, or we may not be allowed to. So... Eat while you like it!

Happiness isn't measured just by the amount of serotonin, but it's a good start. Food is one of the fastest ways to get yourself back in a good mood. So the next time you're wavering between a healthy meal and your favourite dessert, remember: sometimes your soul needs just the right candy. And you know what, that's totally okay!