Christmastime is the happiest time of the year; however, after December comes dreary January. How can you keep a happy spirit into January and the New Year? Recent studies suggest you can keep the happy spirit alive year-round by loading up your plate with more fruits and vegetables.
December
December is known for shorter days and more darkness. Nevertheless, Christmas lights and the spirit of giving help lift the mood of everyone- even those who do not celebrate Christmas. Nibbling cookies and partying with family and friends can lift one’s mood. December is Not known for eating healthy.
January
Then the New Year comes. Most days are grey. Work begins again. Little hours of sunlight. And the additional pounds gained from holiday snacking and cookie-binging bring guilt. It is easy to fall into depression at this time of year. There is hope.
Report
The British Medical Journal found that people with the lowest mental well-being were more likely to report lower intakes of fruit and vegetables. In contrast, those with the highest mental well-being tended to report eating more of these foods. Another study from the University of Queensland found that eating fruits and vegetables was positively associated with life satisfaction and overall happiness.
Fruit Intake
The research found fruit had a profound effect on emotional well-being and mental health. The more fruit people ate, the less depressed and anxious they felt. Â Vegetables had a greater impact on self-reported general health: People who ate vegetables reported feeling healthy.
These results come as no surprise. Fruits and vegetables have long been noted for their health benefits. Even a 3% increase in the concentration of certain antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables is associated with great optimism.
Actions
Choose fresh fruits for snacks and dessert. Snack now on veggie trays.
Healthy eating can make you happy, and happiness can make you healthy! Additionally, scientists estimate that 10-15 minutes of laughing over the course of a day could burn up to 40 calories, which can translate to 4 pounds lost over the course of a year.
