What's better for your mood than chocolate???

ravenrose · 03-23-2011, 08:37 AM

You have probably heard about the positive effects dark chocolate has on the brain, triggering things that make a person happier, a bit like being in love... and I think many people enjoy that part of eating chocolate as well as the lovely flavor and the healthy phytonutrients.

but DID YOU KNOW (because I sure didn't) that research shows that one big genuine heartfelt smile actually triggers as much brain stimulation as 2000 chocolate bars? the same research shows that that smile is more positive stimulation than receiving a LOT of money would be.

Many of us have problems in life, of course, and many have habits of eating to dull the pain of life. We need to remember to SMILE MORE. It's healthier in every way, and unlike eating actually contributes to solving the problems, not making them worse.

It's clear from brain research that smiling actually makes you happier. It's not just a result of being happy, it's a cause too. what a nice cycle!

And smiles are just as contagious as yawns. When people see a genuine smile they are inclined to smile themselves, which improves their moods.

Think how much nicer the world would be if even 20% more of the people you encounter are feeling great at the time!

Only 30% of the population smiles more than 20 times a day. Holy cow! That seems very low to me. and the poor other 70%... how could life be so dim that they smile LESS than 20 times a day? small children smile about 400 times a day, which is why being around them makes YOU smile so much. be like those kids. smile at everyone!

The article in Forbes I took this stuff from says "Smiling has documented therapeutic effects, and has been associated with: reduced stress hormone levels (like cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine), increased health and mood enhancing hormone levels (like endorphins), and lowered blood pressure.

"If that’s not enough, smiling also makes us look good in the eyes of others. A recent Penn State University study confirmed that when we smile we not only appear more likeable and courteous, but we’re actually perceived to be more competent."

If you want to read it, look for the column by Eric Savitz at Forbes.

lterry913 · 03-23-2011, 08:43 AM

Chocolate makes me smile

Calidreamer · 03-23-2011, 08:48 AM

What a great post to start the day!

Thank you!

LJB · 03-23-2011, 08:49 AM

Cheese makes me really SMILE!

John Paulson · 03-23-2011, 08:50 AM

Well me bad I was thinking more dirty thoughts - Hey maybe that will make someone smile and skip the chocolate today. Still ya that is some good thoughts. Try smile more tomorrow.

rose1 · 03-23-2011, 08:51 AM

What a wonderful column. Thanks for posting.

dawnyama · 03-23-2011, 08:55 AM

You mean there really is something better than chocolate????!!! I totally thought you would be joking

I can not think of ONE thing better

But I think my diet would surely be better off if I did try to smile more instead of indulging!! Thanks for posting!!

BeLove · 03-23-2011, 09:01 AM

Thanks for the post Ravenrose. That's a wonderful thing to be reminded of. I think I'll put a post-it note reminder on my PC - "Smile!".

Rose1271 · 03-23-2011, 09:01 AM

Great post! Thank you.

“Never frown, because you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile.”

Cuthbert · 03-23-2011, 09:31 AM

I'd like to run a controlled experiment. First, someone please give me a LOT of money and we'll see how that goes for a bit.

What can I say, I love science.

kornrealtor · 03-23-2011, 10:31 AM

Skinny would be better for my mood than chocolate!!!!!!!!

granolamom · 03-23-2011, 10:33 AM

Nice post

afuentes · 03-23-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kornrealtor

Skinny would be better for my mood than chocolate!!!!!!!!

I so agree! I have no control over it at all. :blush: I like dark chocolate and can control that but don't enjoy it as much as milk chocolate.

b_lou_who · 03-23-2011, 12:15 PM

thanks for sharing that...reminds me to smile at other drivers around town, smile at the store, smile at strangers, and smile at loved ones instead of thinking I can freely share negatively...

mcneilnomore · 03-23-2011, 12:16 PM

Well I totally thought of something better than chocolate

and that made me smile. So, thanks.

Gweebles · 03-23-2011, 12:19 PM

It wasn't chocolate for me or a smile that started my day good. It was a pile of newborn kittens on my front porch! My kitty had her babies and I LOVE KITTENS! lol.

msgirl · 03-23-2011, 12:59 PM

That was an awesome article!!!! Thanks for sharing it!

kat819 · 03-23-2011, 01:05 PM

What makes gyou smile?

My dog wagging his tail because he's so happy to see me, even if I've only been gone out the door thirty seconds.

ReneeD70 · 03-23-2011, 03:10 PM

I only know one thing I like better than chocolate but it's doesn't have anything to do with low carbing=)
But I love the whole smile idea.
It's true! Smiles are contagious. People always ask why I am so happy. It's not that I am deliriously happy, I just choose to smile despite my troubles. We are truly blessed and don't even realize it!

EveH · 03-23-2011, 03:55 PM

My day is brighter when I smile at someone and they smile back. It just could be that may be the first time they have smiled in ages. I was sick for a very long time and I smiled one day at something on the TV and I realized I was on my way back. You don't realize how important a smile is until you lose yours for a while. You may help someone find theirs. You never know. Smile!

kimmarie · 03-23-2011, 04:12 PM

I spend all day seeing patients in nursing homes. I always make an affort to smile and say hi to the elderly folks sitting in the hallways. They almost always smile back, and often will chat wth me. Some have very little social interaction, and I know it brightens their day (and mine too).

hockey_gal · 03-23-2011, 07:22 PM

Thanks so much for this. As one of the 70% that smile less than 20 times a day...I'd have to say it's just habit for me. I lost my front tooth at age 5 and didn't get it back until I was 14...so I felt so gawky that I rarely smiled. Add to that very depressing teenager years (every one of them w/braces) and you have a recipe for NO smiling. I'm going to make an effort to smile every time I remember!!!

I appreciate the reminder

Deanne

Feelin'Great! · 03-23-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawnyama

You mean there really is something better than chocolate????!!!

John seems to think so!!!

starry sky · 03-23-2011, 11:15 PM

Smiling is a great way to brighten someone's day! Thanks for sharing!

kbeth · 03-24-2011, 09:20 AM

Thank you for this! It was lovely!

And gweebles, nothing makes me happier than a pile of kittens, either!! Enjoy!

Jennyl · 03-24-2011, 12:50 PM

I really miss chocolate

Yojakeen · 04-01-2011, 07:47 PM

My daughter makes me smile so much that my cheeks hurt. I tend to be a negative person so sometimes it is hard. But practice makes perfect. Thanks ravenrose.

WATCH-ME-SHRINK · 04-08-2011, 03:40 AM

Excellent post.

Smiling has profound effects on everyone.

03-23-2011, 08:37 AM	#1
ravenrose . Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: California Posts: 9,071 Gallery: ravenrose Stats: lost 130 lb so far, and miles to go before I sleep WOE: low carb controlled calorie Start Date: June, 2009	What's better for your mood than chocolate??? You have probably heard about the positive effects dark chocolate has on the brain, triggering things that make a person happier, a bit like being in love... and I think many people enjoy that part of eating chocolate as well as the lovely flavor and the healthy phytonutrients. but DID YOU KNOW (because I sure didn't) that research shows that one big genuine heartfelt smile actually triggers as much brain stimulation as 2000 chocolate bars? the same research shows that that smile is more positive stimulation than receiving a LOT of money would be. Many of us have problems in life, of course, and many have habits of eating to dull the pain of life. We need to remember to SMILE MORE. It's healthier in every way, and unlike eating actually contributes to solving the problems, not making them worse. It's clear from brain research that smiling actually makes you happier. It's not just a result of being happy, it's a cause too. what a nice cycle! And smiles are just as contagious as yawns. When people see a genuine smile they are inclined to smile themselves, which improves their moods. Think how much nicer the world would be if even 20% more of the people you encounter are feeling great at the time! Only 30% of the population smiles more than 20 times a day. Holy cow! That seems very low to me. and the poor other 70%... how could life be so dim that they smile LESS than 20 times a day? small children smile about 400 times a day, which is why being around them makes YOU smile so much. be like those kids. smile at everyone! The article in Forbes I took this stuff from says "Smiling has documented therapeutic effects, and has been associated with: reduced stress hormone levels (like cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine), increased health and mood enhancing hormone levels (like endorphins), and lowered blood pressure. "If that’s not enough, smiling also makes us look good in the eyes of others. A recent Penn State University study confirmed that when we smile we not only appear more likeable and courteous, but we’re actually perceived to be more competent." If you want to read it, look for the column by Eric Savitz at Forbes. __________________ Often I don't come back to read threads where I've posted. If you want me to see something, please send me a private message. Thanks! Last edited by ravenrose; 03-23-2011 at 08:44 AM..

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03-23-2011, 08:43 AM	#2
lterry913 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,515 Gallery: lterry913 Stats: 5' 11" 238/174/170 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 12/1/2010	Chocolate makes me smile

03-23-2011, 08:48 AM	#3
Calidreamer Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northen California Posts: 609 Gallery: Calidreamer Stats: 242/161/142 WOE: Atkins Start Date: January 10, 2010	What a great post to start the day! Thank you!

03-23-2011, 08:49 AM	#4
LJB Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 24,497 Gallery: LJB Stats: Size 8 at Present WOE: No flour or sugar.	Cheese makes me really SMILE!

03-23-2011, 08:50 AM	#5
John Paulson Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Daejeon, South Korea Posts: 70 Gallery: John Paulson Stats: Unknown, but I down to my first hole my belt! WOE: "No Sugar, No Starch" Diet from Gary's Book Start Date: Roughly December 2010 maybe more January	Well me bad I was thinking more dirty thoughts - Hey maybe that will make someone smile and skip the chocolate today. Still ya that is some good thoughts. Try smile more tomorrow.

03-23-2011, 08:51 AM	#6
rose1 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tennessee Posts: 25,185 Gallery: rose1 WOE: Vegetarian SB Start Date: June, 2005	What a wonderful column. Thanks for posting.

03-23-2011, 08:55 AM	#7
dawnyama Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 21,251 Gallery: dawnyama Stats: 154/???/115 5'4" WOE: Hhcg/Rwhatever P2 Start Date: 6/1/09	You mean there really is something better than chocolate????!!! I totally thought you would be joking I can not think of ONE thing better But I think my diet would surely be better off if I did try to smile more instead of indulging!! Thanks for posting!!

03-23-2011, 09:01 AM	#8
BeLove Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: PA Posts: 116 Gallery: BeLove Stats: 280/Restart 269/230/goal 4 - 220 WOE: 30 net carbs or less\|lowered to 25/day or less Start Date: This time - February 2011	Thanks for the post Ravenrose. That's a wonderful thing to be reminded of. I think I'll put a post-it note reminder on my PC - "Smile!".

03-23-2011, 09:01 AM	#9
Rose1271 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,633 Gallery: Rose1271 Stats: 238-22W (highest)/191.5-16W/135 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: Restart-March 1, 2011	Great post! Thank you. “Never frown, because you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile.”

03-23-2011, 09:31 AM	#10
Cuthbert Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Greeley, CO Posts: 295 Gallery: Cuthbert Stats: 265/199/200 WOE: Paleo Start Date: December 2010	I'd like to run a controlled experiment. First, someone please give me a LOT of money and we'll see how that goes for a bit. What can I say, I love science.

03-23-2011, 10:31 AM	#11
kornrealtor Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 217 Gallery: kornrealtor Stats: 272/187/160 WOE: Atkins for 11 months/Now under 100 net carbs Start Date: LC August 2010. Started Atkins - November 2010	Skinny would be better for my mood than chocolate!!!!!!!!

03-23-2011, 10:33 AM	#12
granolamom Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Washington State Posts: 712 Gallery: granolamom Stats: HW:241 SW:236/212.6/145 WOE: Atkins <20g net carb/clean eating Start Date: Jan 3, 2011	Nice post

03-23-2011, 12:15 PM	#14
b_lou_who Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: heaviest 200.4 Posts: 1,827 Gallery: b_lou_who Stats: 2013 177.3/169.3/159 5'7" 43 WOE: whole organic low-sugars intermittent fasting Start Date: 1997	thanks for sharing that...reminds me to smile at other drivers around town, smile at the store, smile at strangers, and smile at loved ones instead of thinking I can freely share negatively...

03-23-2011, 12:16 PM	#15
mcneilnomore Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 644 Gallery: mcneilnomore Stats: 5'8" 282/277/150 WOE: JUDDD Start Date: June 4, 2012	Well I totally thought of something better than chocolate and that made me smile. So, thanks.

03-23-2011, 12:19 PM	#16
Gweebles Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Harlingen, TX Posts: 991 Gallery: Gweebles Stats: 26w/24w/8 WOE: JUDDD convert 2720/544 Start Date: JUDDD 3/6/12	It wasn't chocolate for me or a smile that started my day good. It was a pile of newborn kittens on my front porch! My kitty had her babies and I LOVE KITTENS! lol.

03-23-2011, 12:59 PM	#17
msgirl Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: TX!!! Posts: 1,227 Gallery: msgirl Stats: 158.6/158.4/140 WOE: Stillmans AGAIN! Start Date: Many times..... currently 03/13/13	That was an awesome article!!!! Thanks for sharing it!

03-23-2011, 01:05 PM	#18
kat819 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 1,561 Gallery: kat819 Stats: 263/227/163 5'9" WOE: PaNu/very low carb Start Date: 1st time 9/2003, third time's the charm 5/13/2010	What makes gyou smile? My dog wagging his tail because he's so happy to see me, even if I've only been gone out the door thirty seconds.

03-23-2011, 03:10 PM	#19
ReneeD70 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: South Central Ohio Posts: 994 Gallery: ReneeD70 Stats: fluffy/less fluffy/curvy WOE: low carb	I only know one thing I like better than chocolate but it's doesn't have anything to do with low carbing=) But I love the whole smile idea. It's true! Smiles are contagious. People always ask why I am so happy. It's not that I am deliriously happy, I just choose to smile despite my troubles. We are truly blessed and don't even realize it!

03-23-2011, 03:55 PM	#20
EveH Major LCF Poster! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Gulf Coast Posts: 2,677 Gallery: EveH Stats: 165/122/130----5'4" WOE: Atkins..skipped induction Start Date: Oct 2010	My day is brighter when I smile at someone and they smile back. It just could be that may be the first time they have smiled in ages. I was sick for a very long time and I smiled one day at something on the TV and I realized I was on my way back. You don't realize how important a smile is until you lose yours for a while. You may help someone find theirs. You never know. Smile!

03-23-2011, 04:12 PM	#21
kimmarie Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 707 Gallery: kimmarie Stats: 325/278.2/150 WOE: low carb Start Date: 11/13/10 LC, restart 9/19/12	I spend all day seeing patients in nursing homes. I always make an affort to smile and say hi to the elderly folks sitting in the hallways. They almost always smile back, and often will chat wth me. Some have very little social interaction, and I know it brightens their day (and mine too).

03-23-2011, 07:22 PM	#22
hockey_gal Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: West Coast of Canada Posts: 1,238 Gallery: hockey_gal Stats: 172/147/150 5'7.5 Goal met: Aug 19/11 WOE: Moderate LC Start Date: Aug 2010	Thanks so much for this. As one of the 70% that smile less than 20 times a day...I'd have to say it's just habit for me. I lost my front tooth at age 5 and didn't get it back until I was 14...so I felt so gawky that I rarely smiled. Add to that very depressing teenager years (every one of them w/braces) and you have a recipe for NO smiling. I'm going to make an effort to smile every time I remember!!! I appreciate the reminder Deanne

03-23-2011, 11:15 PM	#24
starry sky Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 158 Gallery: starry sky	Smiling is a great way to brighten someone's day! Thanks for sharing!

03-24-2011, 09:20 AM	#25
kbeth Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,627 Gallery: kbeth Stats: 5'4" 43yo 161/148/125 WOE: Paleo-esque Start Date: April 2002/Restart April 2012	Thank you for this! It was lovely! And gweebles, nothing makes me happier than a pile of kittens, either!! Enjoy!

03-24-2011, 12:50 PM	#26
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: GTA Posts: 45,055 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	I really miss chocolate

04-01-2011, 07:47 PM	#27
Yojakeen Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 34 Gallery: Yojakeen Stats: 130/123/118 WOE: South Beach Start Date: March 2011	My daughter makes me smile so much that my cheeks hurt. I tend to be a negative person so sometimes it is hard. But practice makes perfect. Thanks ravenrose.

04-08-2011, 03:40 AM	#28
WATCH-ME-SHRINK Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Eastern USA Posts: 11,143 Gallery: WATCH-ME-SHRINK Stats: 168 (12+) /142-147 (maintenance) 5'7 WOE: Carb rotations/mod carb	Excellent post. Smiling has profound effects on everyone.