Why cutting carbs makes you grumpy
Yam Cup Remedy for Cheer Up!
Many consumers choose a low carbohydrate, high protein approach to loss weight. This method is often accompanied by mood swings and irritability... Why? Serotonin, the fiercely “feel good” neurotransmitter is partially controlled by food intake. When carbohydrate foods are consumed, insulin is released which allows tryptophan (an amino acid) to enter the brain in larger amounts since "other" competing amino acids have been diverted to the muscles for synthesis. What does all this scientific jargon mean? A higher presence of tryptophan in the brain increases the production of serotonin and HAPPY sets in. When carbohydrate foods are cut from the diet, serotonin production is reduced allowing the grump to slip out.
I’m often asked the question, “if I eat protein foods that contain tryptophan will that help improve my mood?” The short answer NO! While many foods contain tryptophan, the amino acid alone does not increase serotonin production without the presence of insulin from carbohydrate intake.
A successful strategy to lose weight and boost mood is to incorporate complex, high fiber carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, quinoa, barley, and brown rice into a balance diet filled with fruit, vegetables and complimented with protein. Below you'll find a Yam Cup Cheer Up Recipe that is Carb Steady & Weight Friendly
Egg White/Yam Cheer Up Cup
1 large or 2 small Yams or Sweet Potato (peeled & grated)
3 c Egg Whites
4 Chopped Mini Sweet Peppers
1 c Spinach chopped
Optional ingredients
Sliced avocado topping
Spray cupcake pan or pie dish with non-stick spray & line cup with raw shredded yam + salt/pepper to taste, bake @350º for 20 minutes. Combine egg white, pepper, spinach in mixing bowl and season to taste. Pour mixture into baked yam cups and bake another 20 to 25 minutes or until puffy. Cool and enjoy! Makes 6 cups which last in the refrigerator for about a week.
