Ah February! The Month of Love!
What does Valentine's Day make us think of? Yes... chocolate. And why
is chocolate so alluring.. so addictive..? Its dark creamy smooth
texture, its scent.. its various forms and fittings into so many
foods and celebrations of our lives.. Why does chocolate mean "I
love you" when presented to a lover, friend, or family
member...?
Chocolate eating is associated with the
release of dopamine, a feel good neurotransmitter in the brain, as
are other tasty foods, particularly those laden with fat and sugar.
The consumption of chocolate has also been linked to the release of enkephalin, an endorphin-like substance in the brain, also
contributing to a "high."
We are also aware of the positive
benefits of eating chocolate. In an article from Healthline, various studies have proven that dark chocolate has many
positive health effects (in addition to the release of feel-good
neurotransmitters and endorphin-like substances). It contains a
healthy dose of iron, magnesium, and other essential minerals that the
body needs. It is filled with antioxidants - more than blueberries
and acai berries... It can improve brain function with improved blood
flow to the brain. It is good for the heart, improving blood flow,
lowering blood pressure, increases "good" cholesterol while
lowering "bad" cholesterol. And it may also protect your
skin from the sun. So we should be living on a diet rich in
chocolate, right?! Wrong! - This is dark chocolate with 70% or higher
cocoa content that we are talking about - that means reduce sugar and fat infused into typical "milk chocolate," and consume in
small doses.
And with the increases in brain functioning and healthy
minerals we would think it would be great for our kids to consume
daily... but do kids like dark or bittersweet chocolate? Some do, but
we would agree that most prefer the more common forms of over the
counter grocery store chocolate in its various forms: M&Ms,
Hershey bars, Kit Kats, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, to name just a
few.. And these candies are high in emulsifiers, sugars, and
additives - actually containing very low amounts of pure cocoa per
the amount calories provided in an average 230 calorie unit
of the candy.
So how about we focus on feel good ways
to celebrate with our kids or ourselves that don't involve chocolate (gasp!), large amounts of
sugar, or even food in general..?
Here are my personal 4 Things You Should Do
Every Day to Take Care of Your Heart:
1. Laugh Hard Every Day
Interestingly enough there are
similarities to eating dark chocolate and laughing. Both release feel
good neurotransmitters in the brain; laughter also releases
endorphins. Laughter is good for the heart, but while eating
chocolate adds calories, laughter burns calories. So maybe it's good
to have a dose of both.. Laughter is also socially connective, it's
contagious and forms social bonds. It is a central part of
relationships. Countless people, including medical practitioners
truly believe that Laughter is the Best of Medicine. Laugh with your child every day. Life is good. This is why this is #1 on my list.
2. Think About Something Important To
Be the Best Version of Yourself
First of all, define what is important
to you. Is it spending time in nature, with friends and family, being the best parent you can be, exercising, doing acts of service, engaging in learning..? What do
you feel makes you the best version of yourself? Spend some time
thinking about it and write down your thoughts. Take the time to
explore your options. Talk to people about them. Figure out your
goals and do them. And that is the hard part - how to keep on track
with your goals, how to remain accountable to yourself and keep
moving forward to shape yourself to be the best version of
yourself.. January is over, new year's (new decade) resolutions are
over.. My suggestion is to connect with others, through your goals.
If it's exercising, doing acts of service, or learning something new,
find others who are engaged in the same or similar things. Join a
class, sign up to volunteer in a group project, seek out a meeting
forum based upon your goals. Talk to people about your goals. You may
be surprised at how many people are thinking of doing the same thing
as you and how inspiring it is to talk about these things with
friends and join a group. In the process of becoming the best version
of yourself you may just find yourself with new friends, not to
mention new and exciting experiences. Speak with your child about goal setting and share with her/him about your journey of becoming the best version of yourself.
3. Be Kind to Somebody
I think I've already alluded to this in
my last suggestion - as considering doing acts of service, which
could be as big as choosing to work in a helping profession to
becoming a full time volunteer. It can also mean simply holding the
door open for someone - or exchanging a smile with a passerby on the
street, asking how your grocery clerk's day is going, thanking
someone for something they did a while ago... Completing acts of
kindness makes us feel good - so now there's chocolate, laughter,
accomplishing goals, and now acts of kindness - which can help us to
live longer - creating physiological effects such as boosting the
immune system, lowering blood pressure, and yes, releasing those
feel-good neurotransmitters. Perhaps one of the best effects of acts
of kindness towards others is that it's a connective action -
kindness connects people. Being positively connected with others has
countless benefits for our hearts.
4. Cry
I believe that the act of crying is
good for our hearts because it allows us to love ourselves. It also
relieves stress, gives us a lift - after moments or days of feeling
down, troubled, and is another thing that releases endorphins and also
oxytocin, a hormone that is released during touch and contributes to
feelings of well-being - and love. Crying can be connective - many
people want to connect with and support someone around them who is in
tears. A crying child is often asking to be loved through the act of
shedding tears. Comforting a crying child, other family member, or
even a stranger releases oxytocin in both parties and connects the
two people.
And here are a couple more (mostly) non-chocolate ways to celebrate Valentines with your kid:
Since many schools have banned the sharing of sugary treats during typically candy laden holidays, here are some great ideas for handmade valentine's to make with your child on Pinterest
If you and your child love making treats in the kitchen together, here are some heart smart treat ideas to celebrate the month of Love together.
Written by Christopher Libby
Founder/CEO Healthy Organic Kids
