Eat Like the Greeks: A Chicken Gyro for Increased Clarity | Mental Health Recipes

The Greeks are masters of using simple ingredients that nourish the body and mind, as well as bring out an array of incredible flavors (I mean, tzatziki anyone?). 

One of the earliest known cookbooks was penned by the Greek poet Archestratus of Sicily in the mid-4th century BC.

His work, Hedypatheia (“Life of Luxury”), provided guidance on selecting and preparing seafood, emphasizing simple techniques that allowed the ingredients to shine.

And if you know Greek food, well, this probably comes as no surprise!

Archestratus is often also credited with introducing the concept of “gastronomy,” which he described as the guiding principles of the stomach. 

Long before modern foodies, he outlined five timeless rules for cooking and eating well:

1. Start with high-quality ingredients.
2. Aim for balance in flavor combinations.
3. Skip overpowering spices and heavy sauces.
4. Opt for lighter preparations.
5. Use seasonings sparingly to let the food speak for itself.

It’s safe to say that this Greek chicken gyro recipe uses all of the above. On top of this, it is also packed full of supportive nutrients that can help elevate your mental health and mood.

The Easiest Greek Chicken Gyro

If you’re tired of the same ol’ chicken wrap, leveling up and creating chicken gyros adds nutrition and flair to the entire experience. And you can make it as simple or as complicated as you want.

For instance, you can make the tzatziki recipe listed below, or simply buy some at the store. You can also opt out of marinating your chicken and instead, add a few spices before and while you cook it.

The exact steps are entirely up to you. 

But if you’re feeling ambitious and want to make everything from scratch, you can, too! Just follow the recipe below.

How These Greek Chicken Gyros Can Contribute to a Brighter Day

Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates once said,

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

And with emerging research regarding the gut-brain axis, more and more scientists and doctors are beginning to agree. Food isn’t just fuel. It also lays the foundations for our mood, performance, cognition, and even whether we get sick frequently or not.

So, how do these chicken gyros contribute to better mental health? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Chicken Offers Up Much-Needed Protein

Many of us simply don’t eat enough of it! But each of these gyros packs more than 30 grams of protein per serving, giving you a leg up when it comes to meeting your daily needs.

All in all, chicken is a great source of high-quality protein that supports both your mood and brain function. It contains tryptophan, which helps your body make serotonin. 

Chicken also contains tyrosine, another amino acid that helps boost focus and motivation by supporting the production of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Additionally, the B vitamins in chicken, particularly B6 and B12, help keep your brain sharp, combat mental fatigue, and support your nervous system.

Greek Yogurt Provides Gut-Friendly Nutrients

Your gut and mental health are intimately linked. Ever notice how you feel not-so-great after the stomach flu? Mentally, you may feel a little more depressed than usual… well, this isn’t exactly a mystery anymore!

Your gut-brain axis is a two-directional highway, where your brain health impacts your gut and vice versa. And yup, this is why when you feel anxious or nervous, it feels like you literally have butterflies in your stomach. And for some, they end up actually getting physically ill. 

But there’s some good here: By nourishing your gut, you’re also doing your mental health tons of good.

The beneficial bacteria in Greek yogurt help produce neurotransmitters like GABA, which promotes calm and reduces anxiety. Probiotics can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to depression and other mood disorders.

Greek yogurt is also rich in protein and contains calcium and magnesium - both minerals that help regulate stress and promote relaxation. 

Tomatoes & Cucumber For Hydration & Antioxidants

These fresh veggies don’t just add a zesty crunch to your chicken gyro.

For instance, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant that protects brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation - both factors linked to depression and cognitive decline. 

And tomatoes also contain folate, which supports neurotransmitter production and helps prevent mood disorders. 

Cucumbers, on the other hand, contribute to mental wellness through their high water content, supporting proper hydration essential for optimal brain function. In fact, even mild dehydration can negatively impact mood, concentration, and mental energy. 

Cucumbers also provide vitamin K and potassium, which support healthy blood flow to the brain and help regulate stress responses.

Related Article: Staying Cool as a Cucumber: Try This Tangy Tzatziki Chicken Salad | Mental Health Recipes

Garlic Even Helps Contribute to a Better Mood

While garlic’s role is inevitably small in this recipe, its flavor is powerful - as is its impact on mental well-being.

The compounds in garlic can help lower inflammation, which, in turn, may help lower widespread stress throughout the body. 

Some research also suggests that garlic may support healthy gut bacteria, which plays a key role in the gut-brain connection and mood regulation. So, overall, even a little garlic can go a long way toward boosting flavor and supporting emotional balance!