The happiness diet advocates the exciting new theory of constructive and positive psychology linked with food. The basic principle behind the happiness diet is that the personal pursuit of happiness lies in the kind of food you eat. One can stabilise mood, improve concentration, boost brain health and trim the tummy – simply by sticking close to the foods that belong to the 'happiness' food group.

Tyler G. Graham and Drew Ramsey are the co-authors of the book: “The Happiness Diet: A Nutritional Prescription for a Sharp Brain, Balanced Mood, and Lean, Energized Body.” The book tells us what a balanced healthy diet is, with request to positivity and weight loss. It tells us which foods to stay away from, while giving us healthy shopping tips, brain-building recipes and other practical information.

The happiness diet discusses the premise that modern day uninformed diets are increasing our waistlines and also starving and shrinking our brains. The diet takes a deep look at how, for several generations, we have distanced ourselves from essential nutrients such as Vitamin B 12, iron, Vitamin D, magnesium and iron. This process has caused an over-dependence on mood-destroying foods, thus leading to excessive weight gain. 

The top 5 nutrients that one must consume when on the happiness diet: 

Iodine. An underactive thyroid is directly linked to poor memory, low energy, depression, ADHD, weight gain, infertility and heart diseases. When one suffers from thyroid problems, even the daily activities which involve minimal physical involvement will look like mammoth tasks. When the thyroid hormone swells up, leading to a high metabolism, it is called hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, when the thyroid hormone formation is too little and metabolism slows down considerably, it is called hypothyroidism. 

Calcium. Also known as a primary mood decider food, calcium is known to have feel-good neurotransmitters, according to the happiness diet. A decrease in the level of calcium might lead to anxiety, irritability, depression and an impaired memory. Calcium deficiency can also make women gain weight and suffer from PMS symptoms. 

Magnesium. A mineral, which is supposed to relax the mind and nerves, and boost mental health, magnesium is known to help in the treatment of clinical depression. Lack of magnesium in the diet can lead to insomnia, fatigue and depression. 

Vitamin D. Getting enough sun is a must for a healthier you. This is because sunshine helps in converting cholesterol in our skin into vitamins D, which further helps in raising immunity. Lack of Vitamin D in the body is also linked to depression and dementia. 

Fiber. A huge mood booster, fiber adds to weight loss by keeping one full for a longer period of time, thus keeping hunger pangs at bay. It also reduces overall inflammation and reduces the increase in blood sugar and insulin level. A diet low in fiber is linked to an increased risk of depression and various other mental health issues. 

Following up on the above, here are the top 4 rules of the happiness diet:

1. Slash the amount of processed food you eat. This is because all of processed food not only adds to the luxury of your waistline, but it is also loaded with sugar or salt, which leads to the shrinkage of key brain areas involved in mood regulation. 
2. Be friends with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. This is because they are rich in vitamins, phytonutrients and minerals- a few essential elements of happiness-related functions in the brain.
3. Grass-fed meat should be your preferred option. Grass-fed meat, according to the happiness diet, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which encourages the brain to form new connections. 
4. Variety is the key to a healthy diet. The greater range of whole foods you consume, the broader are your chances of having brain-boosting nutrients in your diet. 

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