MOOD SCIENCE
A significant drop in oestrogen levels that accompanies perimenopause can lead to low mood, depression and anxiety. Declining oestrogen means we no longer produce a decent level of serotonin (our happy hormone). This can be made worse when we eat sugary or processed foods, smoke, drink alcohol and caffeine or eat food that we have an intolerance too. Attention is diverted away from hormone production, as it focuses instead on managing blood sugar or detoxifying the liver.   Whilst foods don’t actually contain serotonin, you can promote your mood by eating foods that contain amino acid tryptophan, as serotonin is synthesised from this. Here are some happy foods to add to your shopping list: eggs, cheese, pineapple, kiwi, grapefruit (avoid if on tamoxifen and SSRI anti-depressants), banana, tomatoes, tofu, salmon, turkey and seeds (sesame, pumpkin and chia seeds)
MOOD HACK
Kick start your day with these delicious no-flour banana pancakes courtesy of @Midlife Kitchen. Place 2 ripe bananas in a bowl and mash with a fork. Whisk in 2 eggs and combine well. Stir in seeds mentioned above. Heat a non stick frying pan and spray with a little olive oil. Add small scoops of the mixture to the pan so they remain soft and easy to turn. Sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon whilst cooking. Fry until golden (3 minutes of each side). Serve with grapefruit slices for an added boost of happiness and natural yoghurt
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Although food doesn't directly contain serotonin, tryptophan, an amino acid, is synthesised from it, hence consuming meals high in tryptophan can improve your mood. geometry dash lite