What is serotonin and why is it so important for your waistline?
Serotonin is known as the regulation hormone. It plays an important role in regulating everything from learning abilities, mood, sleep and anxiety to your appetite!
As you can see, it’s very important to maintain adequate levels of serotonin. Here are three simple tips to help you do that:
- Eat carbs! Studies have shown that an increase in carbohydrates is directly linked to an increase in serotonin. Now this doesn’t mean that you’re free to eat refined carbs like pasta, white bread, candy and soda! Instead you want to focus on eating healthy carbs like whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
- Eat fat! Once we get past the old myth that “fat makes you fat”, we can open up to the idea that fat is beneficial for our health! By eating healthy fats like avocados, nuts, flaxseed, and hempseeds, you can boost and maintain adequate levels of serotonin.
- Turn in! Studies relating to sleep and serotonin levels have continuously shown that sleep deprivation results in a negative impact on how our brain responds to serotonin. Make it a practice of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day and make your bedroom a comfortable sanctuary where you can rest soundly.
Bonus Tip: Go toward the light! Research has found that serotonin levels are directly related to the amount of sunlight in the day. Scientists have shown that increasing exposure to light helps to treat depression – a common ailment of low serotonin levels. So heading out for a walk in the sun or even turning on lights in your home can help boost and maintain your levels of serotonin.
These simple, yet effective tips can help you increase your mood while decreasing your waistline!
