Can food improve our mood? Yes, absolutely! However, our bodies sometimes give us wrong signals. In stressful situations, we tend to grab foods filled with artificial sweeteners, which leads to further irritability and blood sugar crash. Let’s see how simple dietary changes can boost your mood.S
Foods to Boost Your Mood
Once you get used to these simple yet very healthy food swaps, you will have more energy and lose a few pounds. While foods aren’t going to cure you, they can help with many conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
Salmon
Salmon is a prime example of superfood. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, and more. Research shows that salmon helps reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
Chia
Chia seeds are rich in protein, calcium, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, iron and magnesium. With chia seeds, you can make pudding, dairy-free smoothies, healthy simple meals, and more. You can also substitute an egg with chia seeds.
Almonds
Almonds contain vitamin E and antioxidant, which help improve memory and cognition. Almond milk is a great substitute for cow’s milk, so if you want to decrease your dairy intake, this is a way to go.
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens are best sources of magnesium that help you relax and calm your brain especially when you’re having trouble sleeping. Go for spinach and kale if you want a healthy, light dinner.
Eggs
Eggs are high in inositol, member of the B vitamin family. Inositol helps you cope up with stress and anxiety, so eggs will help you get more sleep and make you less prone to react in certain situations.
Dark Chocolate
You probably heard it before, but it is still hard to believe. The beloved chocolate is actually good for your mood. Studies show that cocoa from chocolate can improve mood and cognition, plus it’s a rich source of antioxidants, iron, and magnesium to help us relax. Eat it in moderation and make sure that you enjoy every bite.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
Breakfast gives you fuel. Choose foods rich in fiber and good fats. Have a bowl of oatmeal with some fruits and nuts so you can seize the day.
Caffeine in Moderation
Coffee and tea aren’t bad if you drink them in moderation. Studies show that it is best to drink approximately 1 2/3 cups per day. Tea contains less caffeine, but still, you should avoid it a few hours before going to sleep.
Prepare Your Meals
Learn how to prepare your own food and where to buy the freshest vegetables, eggs and ingredients. All these will do wonders for your overall health and lifestyle. Be present when preparing your food. You are being mindful and you are learning to appreciate your own creations more.
Foods you Should Forget
Reconsider your relationship with sugar. Our bodies need it, but we get more than enough from fruit, honey and cocoa. The last thing you need is more artificial sweeteners. If you want to make a healthier dessert, use stevia or any other natural sugar.
Red meat is high in saturated fat that raises blood cholesterol and may lead to heart diseases. It is not about removing red meat from your diet, it is about decreasing the intake.
Store-bought vegetable oils are often oxidized due to heating or sitting on grocery shelves, which can cause free radicals. So switch to coconut oil instead.
Peanut butter is an amazing source of energy, but instead of buying, make it yourself. Store-bought peanut butter contains sugar, additives, and oils, so use your blender.
Good foods, adequate sleep and exercise are the best ways to secure a healthy body and mind. It is not about choosing vegan or any other lifestyle, it is about choosing what is best for you and your family.
