A Guide to Boosting Your Happy Hormones - Dopamine

Understanding your happy hormones could help you to enhance your emotional wellbeing. Substances like dopamine and serotonin play a significant role in regulating your moods.

What are hormones? They’re messengers secreted by your glands and carried through your bloodstream. Even in tiny amounts, they can cause major changes in your body. They also need to be kept in balance because they interact closely with each other.

You can usually keep them functioning well by using gentle, natural methods or following your doctor’s recommendations if you develop a deficiency. Learn more about your happy hormones and how to make them work for you.

Today we’re going to put our focus on Dopamine:

Your brain’s pleasure and reward systems depend largely on dopamine. Dopamine is one of the reasons why you feel warm and fuzzy when you receive a compliment or any positive attention. It also helps with executive function and motor control.

Use these strategies to boost your dopamine levels:

#1 - Fulfill your goals

Adding to your accomplishments is a natural way to increase dopamine levels. Give yourself something to strive for each day and celebrate your victories.

#2 - Limit sugar

Your diet matters too. Excess sugar and saturated fat can inhibit dopamine production. Cut back on empty calories and switch to healthier fats. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like fish and nuts actually boost dopamine.

#3 - Get some sun

Have you ever felt so good after an afternoon under the sunshine? It probably because Vitamin D. It strengthens your bones and may increase dopamine. Spend time outdoors each day and check labels for foods fortified with vitamin D.

#4 - Listen to music

One study found that dopamine levels increased by as much as 9% when volunteers listened to music that they enjoyed. Create playlists for exercising, working, and other daily activities.

#5 - Have fun.

While music may be especially influential, other healthy pleasures work too. Make time in your schedule for hanging out with family and friends and working on hobbies and other things you enjoy.

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“How about serotonin?” you asked. Yes, stay tuned! We’re going to talk about it and some other happy Hormones in the next article.

Control The Portion Sizes  & Lose Weight Without Painful

If you’ve been following Do You Bake? You must notice that we really highlight how portion control could help you lose a few pounds and live a healthier life.

Portion control is key to losing weight without feeling deprived. You can eat chocolate cake and other foods you love if you just reduce the serving size.

Here are some strategies that you can actually use in your daily life. You can practice and try these strategies to see which one suits you better! And of course, lose those extra pounds.

#1 - Plan Weekly Menus

Sketch out your eating plan for a week at a time and use it to guide your grocery shopping. Many people underestimate how much they eat. This system will make any discrepancies obvious. If you run out of food before the end of the week, you may need to re-evaluate your diet.

#2 - Read The Package Labels

It's easy to assume that convenience foods would be packaged in single servings. Check the label to be sure. A single bottle of juice often contains 2 or more servings, so find out how many calories you're really consuming.

#3 - Learn to Eyeball

A three-ounce portion of grilled fish is about the size of a deck of playing cards. A cup of breakfast cereal looks about as big as a tennis ball. You may want to measure and weigh your favorite foods while you're learning to visually estimate portions.

#4 - Use Smaller Dishes

Smaller plates and bowls will make servings look more generous. Keep big platters off the table to remove the temptation to help yourself to more. When snacking, put just a few chips in your bowl at a time. Force yourself to walk back to the kitchen again if you want more.

#5 - Package or Freeze Leftovers

You can save time by baking big batches of lasagna. Just put the leftovers in the freezer right away so that you don't succumb to the temptation to have just a little more. In general, golden milk is considered safe as long as you’re not sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients. However, be aware of these risks:

Summary

These new eating habits are effective and easy to learn. By learning and reducing your portions sizes, you can manage your weight while enjoying a wide variety of delicious and healthy foods.