Heaven knows I´m miserable now

Pure comfort

The John Lewis Christmas advert,using the Morissey classic "Please please let me get what I want" showed a tiresome brat getting increasingly impatient in the run-up to Christmas before it annoyingly turned out 60 painful seconds later that he was only itching to give a present to his mum and dad.This advert left me saying Please, please,please someone give him what he wants so I dont have to endure this tear-jerking sentimentality for a moment longer. Now all the festivities are done the party is over and left me singing "ne me quitte pas"(if you go away) and  wondering who will be the next brand leader to give their 2012 New year ad campaign the more appropriate accompaniment of that other Morissey classic "Heaven knows I´m miserable now"- perhaps a package holiday company? 

Nothing is better than starting the new year with something that makes you happy.Food  can have a great impact on our moodswings,and our mood can effect everything in our daily life.If you want to look and feel good then you need to be sure to include some of the foods that will naturally lift your spirits. Whip up your favourite meal, listen to your favourite song, watch a great movie, and things of that nature. Avoid the melancholy music and avoid the alcohol if you’re feeling down; neither will improve your mood. Look to what makes you feel happier and indulge yourself.In my case-always comfort food.I turn up the stereo or with I-tunes favourites set on random I stare at the fridge.I suddenly get inspired and decide to become at one with my wok and create a soupy soya saucy surprise full of delicious nutritious ingredients and weird food combos that only I love, and others would call random crap from the fridge.Half a red pepper, scallions,some broccoli florets, a half opened packet of cashew nuts and some left over pork.I suddenly am back in the smile zone, my head immersed in a steamy garlic haze of stove top hypnosis.A blocked drain,crashed internet connection,recently introduced motorway tolls and the credit crunch all recede into insignificance.I am in the Algarve and I am elevated to wok heaven.

A Crise friendly new year stir fry 
serves 2

400g left over pork
4 tablespoons peanut oil
100gunsalted cashew nuts
4 spring onions,finely chopped
half a red pepper, cut into thin strips
two florets of broccoli (optional)

4 cloves garlic
thumb sized knob of ginger,peeled and finely shredded
teaspoon hot chilli flakes
zest and juice of two large juicy limes
2 tablespoons nam pla(Thai fish sauce)
dash of soya sauce
Handful of Thai basil leaves chopped
handful mint leaves,torn


Dice the pork or slice into strips, the thickness of your finger.Get your wok really hot over a high flame and pour the oil into it.Add the spring onions,garlic ginger and chilli flakes and fry stirring constantly for a minute or two.Tip in the nuts, stir fry for another minute or two and then toss in the cooked meat.Stir in the lime zest and juice,the nam pla and soya sauce.Finally stir in the herbs and serve immediately.Get Happy!!

Could a bag of crisps have been the answer?- Yes for a short while so-called´happy crisps` proved a big hit in America due to their mood enhancing properties.a short lived success before being taken off the market. The crisps contained St John's Wort - a plant well known for its anti-depressant properties.Never mind there are plenty of other feel good foods you can eat to improve your mood that are healthier than a packet of crisps. The key is to pick foods that contain natural feel-good properties.

The body produces its own uplifting chemicals, known as endorphins, by breaking down food, and it is therefore possible to raise the levels of these substances in the brain by eating foods containing a combination of nutrients which release endorphins.

Low endorphin levels can be caused by certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Certainly, a lack of B vitamins (particularly B12) and vitamin C, or of minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc, can cause you to feel low. So it is important to include the so-called happy foods in your diet to stave off low mood swings.

Endorphin-releasing foods to make you feel happy.

Top of the happiness ratings -
Chocolate:The N-acyclethanoloamine group of chemicals found in chocolate stimulates channels in the brain to release endorphins. As every chocoholic knows, a quick fix will 'heighten sensitivity and produce euphoria'.

Milk: Foods that are rich in calcium will naturally help to boost our spirits. Those that suffer from depression are told to take a calcium and Vitamin D supplement, and the good news is that 1-2 glasses of milk a day can be a natural mood booster that can help a person to feel happier and more productive.  

Spinach: Dark leafy greens are good for your health and a home remedy for so many ailments. So it’s really no wonder that spinach, rich in iron, is a definite if you are looking for food to make you feel happier. You can get the nutrients that you need out of this dark leafy green and lift your spirits all at the same time.  

Salmon: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids a regular consumption of salmon, about 2-3 times a week, can help to make us feel happier and of course maintain good health  

Pasta A great source of protein with no fat, pasta is also a good source of complex carbohydrates, which fill us up while releasing energy slowly. Protein contains two amino acids, tryptophan and L-pheny-lalanine, which also produce endorphins. It has been shown that a lack of protein in the diet can cause depressed moods in people with low intakes of these amino acids.