Nothing makes me more angr–oh right, this is yet another gluten-free myth. My moods since going gluten free have been pretty even. Yes, I still get yell-at-other-drivers mad when I get cut off on the freeway. Yes, I still get giddy when I see a Labradoodle on the street. Yes, I feel joy when I come home after a long day of work.
The video mentioned weeks ago (it’s been a long time, no?) attributes these mood swings to lack of B vitamins. I think we covered that one pretty thoroughly in the fatigue piece, so all I want to say this week is that this myth is totally bunk.
I think the theme of these past few weeks (only one more to go!) is that it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet whether or not you’re gluten free. Gluten doesn’t add anything you can’t get from other foods, and it certainly won’t prevent mood swings. Likewise, a gluten-free diet won’t prevent mood swings if the diet isn’t well balanced.
Since the creators of the video were clearly stretching here, I won’t do the same. I want to talk about food and the meal of the week.
Tip of the Week
When my mood gets a little on the cranky side, I take myself for a quick walk. The loop around my office complex is about a mile, so I get out for ten to fifteen minutes. The fresh air and change of perspective do more for my mood than anything else I’ve tried (though, in all honesty, 90% of colleagues say chocolate does the same for them).
Gluten-Free Meal of the Week
To be honest, nothing makes me happier than preparing a meal for friends or family. I love the process of preparing food, sometimes more than the eating of food. Maybe this is because of all the tasting during the cooking process? I cannot say.
When I really need a serious mood booster, I get myself into the kitchen and make something that requires a lot of effort and a lot of concentration. The act of creating an amazing meal, especially when it comes together just as I planned, fills me with joy. Since we’re actively planning a trip to New Orleans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my book club, I am boning up on jambalaya and gumbo — especially since my chances of finding good gluten-free gumbo in the Big Easy are likely slim.
Bonus! The cornbread linked below is both gluten free and decadent! It’s definitely not for the faint at heart as it features sour cream, corn two ways, and cheese. Or, it’s totally party food…a great way to lift any mood!