Ellie’s Generations of Good Food a labor of love that incorporates recipes, stories, and anecdotes from six generations of the author’s Italian family.
Ellies Generatiosn of Good Food is not only about recipes, but how they become part of our being. According to a study, solid emotional states make people turn to comfort food to feel safe and in control. These comfort foods not only taste good but also lessen the impact of stress hormones. Eating sweet and starchy food helps people’s bodies make serotonin, making them feel calmer and decreasing the stress hormone cortisol.
Similarly, when a person is upset or stressed, they sometimes choose familiar foods which remind them of their childhood. And comfort foods run the gamut from cheese quesadillas and meatloaf to a rich bowl of South Asian curry. They reflect a person’s cultural cuisines and usually make them think of home. The prevalent thread is that they remind people of how protected and secure they may have felt in childhood.
Five mood-boosting foods
When people feel depressed, they often reach for comfort foods, but researchers say fat- and carb-heavy foods may not be the best healthy option. Below are five foods that experts frequently recommend to help combat the symptoms of lethargy, mood swings, and cravings that are often associated with depression. As a bonus, they have well-known overall health benefits.
1. Eggs – with the yolk. The protein provided by eggs helps stabilize blood sugar, and the yolks contain B vitamins, proven to lessen the severity of depression’s symptoms. The myth that eggs are harmful to cholesterol has been debunked. They are a powerhouse of nutrition.
2. Cold water fish. Tuna, wild salmon, and mackerel all contain omega-3 fatty acids supporting brain health. Omega-3 is beneficial for heart health and recommended in anti-inflammatory diets.
3. Nuts and seeds. Walnuts offer high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health. Other seeds and nuts, such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and almonds, are also beneficial because they contain magnesium. Most nuts and seeds are a healthy snack choice or to use in salads and baking. This nutrient has been shown to boost serotonin levels, the “feel-good” brain chemical.
4. Grains. High-fiber whole grains like whole wheat pasta, bread, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes help your body release serotonin. Grains are carbohydrates which provide the body’s energy.
5. Low-fat dairy. Not only are low-fat cheese, milk, and yogurt good for your bones, but the calcium and vitamin D in these foods contain peptides that promote well-being and relaxation.
Other healthy alternatives that can also be very comforting
Studies reflect that we live in unprecedented times which cause unforeseen stress in lives. While stress cannot always be controlled, people can control the impact of stress on their diets.
During these challenging times, take comfort in sharing recipes. These bonds will undoubtedly ease some of our pain and minimize the isolation imposed by our current restrictions. Check out the Cookbook by Eleanor Gaccetta entitled, Generations Of Good Food. This book is a compilation of recipes that span six generations. The book is a collection of straightforward recipes and heartfelt stories of Italian life that brought families together around the table. This book will raise your interest whether you are a novice in the kitchen, a home cook, or a professionally trained cook. The cookbook is a compilation of nearly 200 recipes, including main dishes, bread, cakes, pies, cookies, and candy. Would you like to cook pasta dishes, bake sweet Easter bread, a Chiffon cake, lemon ricotta cookies, or make Tiger butter fudge? These and many more recipes are included. Just glancing through the table of contents will urge you to cook, bake and eat.
On the other hand, Ellie’s Generations of Good Food, her second book, was not planned. Writing the book and sharing recipes was a labor of love that consumed her time during the pandemic lockdown. It incorporates recipes, stories, and anecdotes from six generations of her Italian family. It is a book for the kitchen novice and seasoned cook and baker. Today she lives in a suburb west of Denver where she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, cooking, baking, and gardening. She committed to remaining healthy, getting in shape, and staying fit during the pandemic. After the pandemic, she walks 2-3 miles daily and has become a gym shark.
Learn more about Ellie’s Generations of Good Food by purchasing a copy online or visiting her website today!