It’s common to feel sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner: This sleepiness is typically caused by the amino acid tryptophan, which is found in turkey. Tryptophan increases the production of serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can affect a variety of things, including your mood, memory and sleep. When a food containing tryptophan is consumed with carbohydrates, even more serotonin is created, which is why sleepiness is common following dinner. While eating turkey and some kind of carbohydrate makes us feel tired, other foods can make us feel energized, less anxious and even happier.
1. Leafy Greens
When you eat vegetables like spinach, kale and collards, you are providing your body with a variety of B vitamins: Three of which are essential for your brain, pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12) and folic acid (B9). Leafy greens …show more content…
Nuts
All nuts contain the amino acid tryptophan: Tryptophan increases your body’s production of the feel-good chemical serotonin. A chemical that your body frequently lacks when you are feeling down. Although consuming nuts with carbohydrates may make you feel tired, this combination does increase your body’s production of serotonin even more. So, eat a handful or two of your favorite nuts with a bowl of air-popped popcorn and then address your sleepiness with a 20-minute nap. You may be surprised at how much happier you feel upon waking!
5. Asparagus
You can raise your serotonin levels by eating asparagus: In fact, asparagus is one of the plants that offers the highest source of tryptophan. It also contains high levels of folic acid, which increases its ability to brighten even the gloomiest of days!
6. Eggs
Besides providing your body with protein and iron, an entire egg (that includes the yolk) is full of B-vitamins as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids assist in fighting depression and reducing negative thoughts. Other good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include black walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed.
7. Wild
1. Leafy Greens
When you eat vegetables like spinach, kale and collards, you are providing your body with a variety of B vitamins: Three of which are essential for your brain, pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12) and folic acid (B9). Leafy greens …show more content…
Nuts
All nuts contain the amino acid tryptophan: Tryptophan increases your body’s production of the feel-good chemical serotonin. A chemical that your body frequently lacks when you are feeling down. Although consuming nuts with carbohydrates may make you feel tired, this combination does increase your body’s production of serotonin even more. So, eat a handful or two of your favorite nuts with a bowl of air-popped popcorn and then address your sleepiness with a 20-minute nap. You may be surprised at how much happier you feel upon waking!
5. Asparagus
You can raise your serotonin levels by eating asparagus: In fact, asparagus is one of the plants that offers the highest source of tryptophan. It also contains high levels of folic acid, which increases its ability to brighten even the gloomiest of days!
6. Eggs
Besides providing your body with protein and iron, an entire egg (that includes the yolk) is full of B-vitamins as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids assist in fighting depression and reducing negative thoughts. Other good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include black walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed.
7. Wild