The direct link between food and mood can’t be denied and that old adage ‘you are what you eat’ still stands true. Hippocrates was the first to suggest the healing power of food when he said “Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food”. If you’re feeling down in the dumps or a little off there are a few foods to consider adding to your diet that might help.
Here are five foods to help improve your mood**
Salmon (and other fatty fish)
More and more evidence has shown that omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, and tuna) may help boost your mood. Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty fish including herring, sardines and tuna, can impact your mood, behavior and personality.
Chocolate
Any list that includes chocolate is my kind of list! There’s more and more evidence that dark chocolate can enhance your mood. Chocolate has been shown to “improve depression and anxiety symptoms and help enhance feelings of calmness and contentedness.” Make sure the chocolate you’re consuming is dark chocolate without added sugar and milk, organic and fairly traded.
Fruits and Veggies
Eat your veggies! In a study of close to 3,500 men and women those who ate their fruits and veggies were less likely to report feeling depressed than those who ate processed foods, refined grains and high-fat dairy products.
Vanilla Yogurt
We’ve known for a while that fermented foods, including yogurt, help boost our mood. A recent study found that a spoonful or two of vanilla yogurt be a quick fix. What’s the reason that vanilla yogurt seems to do the trick? The vanilla flavor could be comforting. It’s known that certain scents can boost your mood via endorphins and vanilla happens to be one of those special scents.
Of course my favorite vanilla yogurt is Stonyfield!
Swiss Chard
Add a bit of Swiss chard to your diet to bump up your mood. All types of chard contain high levels of magnesium, a necessary nutrient to help your brain and boost your energy levels. Did you know that magnesium deficiency is a common condition among people diagnosed with clinical depression? My favorite way to eat chard is in a stir fry with a little olive oil and garlic. Here’s another Swiss chard recipe that looks delicious.
If you’re looking for a few superfoods to help beat anxiety check out my list HERE.
What’s your favorite food to help improve your mood? I’m still sticking with chocolate!
Remember a change in diet is a only a first step. Don’t forget to get enough sleep, drink water and smile when you first wake up in the morning!
**Before starting any new diet and exercise program please check with your doctor and clear any exercise and/or diet changes with them before beginning. I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. I do not claim to cure any cause, condition or disease. I do not provide medical aid or nutrition for the purpose of health or disease.
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