TLC Cooking: 10 Meals That Are Proven to Make You Happier

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10 Meals That Are Proven to Make You Happier
by Alia Hoyt

• 1. Macaroni and Cheese
• The dairy products standard in this recipe (milk and cheese) contain high levels of vitamin B, which has been shown to heavily impact the brain.
• 2. Fish and Brown Rice
• Multiple studies have linked depression to imbalances in omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fish [source: Melone].
• 3. Scrambled eggs and Oatmeal
• Remember those helpful B vitamins found in dairy products? Eggs are also rife with the critical substance.
• 4. Spaghetti with Meatballs
• We've already spelled out the benefits of whole-wheat pasta: It's high in folic acid and helps increase serotonin levels.
• 5. Mashed Potatoes and Turkey
• Turkey and mashed potatoes need not be reserved for Thanksgiving, thanks to the mood-boosting vitamins and minerals this main dish and savory starch contain.
• 6. Banana Split
• This is my favorite of the list. Yum! The two main components -- ice cream and bananas -- are both rich in B vitamins, which are effective depression-thwarters [source: Carper].
• 7. Chili and Cornbread
• Beans are a terrific vehicle for ingesting selenium and increasing levels of magnesium, a deficiency of which has been linked to depression [sources: Magee, Melone]. 
•   The perfect complement to this wintertime favorite is cornbread, which contains gluten, known for its ability to stimulate endorphin production [source: Cohen].
  
  
• 8. Sweet Potato
  
• Complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, are packed full of energy and mood-boosting vitamins and minerals.
  
• 9. Beef Stew with Veggies and Potatoes
• Lean red meat is an excellent source of tryptophan and protein, both of which are critical to mood regulation. Dial down the unhealthiness quotient by trimming any excess fat before putting the meat in the Dutch oven or slow cooker.
• 10. Anything Chocolate
• Multiple studies have revealed that chocolate (gasp!) is actually healthy in moderation. Although it's still high in calories, chocolate contains a myriad of beneficial nutrients that help regulate mood. The sugar that gives chocolate its rich taste helps increase serotonin levels, while the fat content releases mood-elevating endorphins [source: Carper].

Yum. I think I'm going to be putting these foods in my menus.