Alongside serotonin and acetylcholine, dopamine is one of the key neurotransmitters - brain chemicals responsible for signalling between neurons (brain cells) and various cells throughout our bodies. It directly impacts a variety of physiological functions i.e. movement and motor reactions as well as psychological functions like mood, pleasure and joy. So, what happens when we are a little low on dopamine?

What is the dopamine diet? | BBC Good Food

Over three years, I lost eleven stone and devised my own low-carb diet regime built around ingredients that are known to trigger the release of dopamine, the ‘happy hormone’ in your brain. Probiotic-rich foods like kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha come with a whole array of health benefits, so make sure you include them in your daily menu. 2. Limit the consumption of dopamine depleting foods

Cook these: Three recipes from Tom Kerridge’s new low-carb cookbook

Preheat the oven to 190°C/Fan 170°C/Gas 5. Put the mince in a roasting tin and roast for about 40 minutes, turning every 10 minutes or so, to get a very dark, even colour all over the meat. It should be crispy and resemble instant coffee granules. You can colour the meat in a large frying pan on the hob if you prefer; just keep stirring until it is dark brown. Drain in a colander and set aside. After having my children I felt I needed some advice on how to care for myself and my post-pregnancy body. I was also st... There’s been a lot of talk about Britain’s obesity crisis. Do we have an unhealthy relationship with food?

BEEF STROGANOFF RECIPE - TOM KERRIDGE BEEF STROGANOFF RECIPE - TOM KERRIDGE

For the topping, bring a pan of lightly salted water to the boil, add the cauliflower florets and simmer until tender, about five minutes. Drain the cauliflower and place in a food processor with the butter, cream and some salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add the blue cheese and blitz to combine.Yes, I’ve been teetotal for over three years. It’s easy in this industry to drink a lot – you have to have an understanding of how beer is brewed and gin is made. But it’s a social thing, too. Most chefs have some form of inbuilt party release button we’re always activating. It was very hard to break that habit. I still have to think about it every day and actively not drink. Dopamine is a feel good chemical in the brain, which sends well-being a pleasure into your body - making you feel happy. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.

STEAK, RED ONION AND TOMATO SALAD RECIPE - TOM KERRIDGE STEAK, RED ONION AND TOMATO SALAD RECIPE - TOM KERRIDGE

Writing books for the home cook is very different from your day job as a chef. Do you find it difficult? Whilst food has, without a doubt, a huge impact on the level of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, it’s only one of the healthy lifestyle habits necessary for a boost in mood levels.

You’ve lost an enormous amount of weight. What prompted the change?

You think it's hard to say to your peer group, 'I'm going on a diet', but it's just that first step because, actually, all your best mates become your biggest support system. So, what could you be doing to give your dopamine levels a boost? 1. Eat more dopamine-boosting foods Heat a large, heavy-bottomed sauté pan or frying pan over a medium-high heat and add a little oil. Season the beef fillets with salt and pepper and place in the pan. Sear well all over until dark brown in colour. Add the butter and baste the steaks until cooked to medium-rare, about 2–3 minutes each side. Remove from the pan and leave to rest on a plate. Additionally, research shows that over 50% of dopamine is produced in the gut, so looking after your gut microbiome is key. Dieting is a divisive subject, not least with the current debate surrounding clean eating, but chef Tom Kerridge is open-minded.