When it comes to feeling better, nothing beats going for a walk outside or snuggling with your pet. However, if you are suffering from the winter blues or a melancholy mood that won’t go away, the things you place in your grocery cart and on your dinner plate can help.
Eating meals that are good for your health and mood does not have to be complicated. You can do this by enriching your diet with fruits, vegetables, nuts, fatty acid-rich meals, and other items. However, including these items in your diet should be complemented by a decrease in your intake of heavily processed meals, such as those with high calorie and sugar counts. Keep reading to discover more about some of the foods you currently like as well as some new foods to try for a happier mood.
8 Foods To Uplift Your Mood Naturally
- Green tea
On a terrible day, a cup of tea can help to soothe your senses, settle your tensions, and improve your mood. This might be due to a variety of mood-boosting nutrients, including L-theanine, an amino acid that aids in the treatment of anxiety. Green tea contains caffeine as well, just enough to give you a pick-me-up when you’re feeling down but not enough to give you the jitters.
- Salmon
Salmon is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, are essential for brain and nervous system development. Omega-3 fatty acids affect brain neurotransmitters associated with mood, notably dopamine and serotonin.
Salmon is abundant in protein, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D, in addition to omega-3s. Vitamin B12, in conjunction with folate, aids in the conversion of amino acids into neurotransmitters, while Vitamin D deficiency is linked to depression.
- Oysters
Oysters do have a reputation for being a love potion. Since oysters are abundant in zinc, it aids with anxiety relief. Zinc also improves sleep quality, which is necessary for remaining on track.
Not really a fan of seafood? Try cashews, beans, chickpeas, tofu, eggs, liver, or beef to get your zinc fix.
- Leafy greens
These are high in a number of minerals, including fibre for blood sugar regulation, B vitamins for brain function, and iron. There is evidence that iron shortage is associated with changed emotional behaviour, anxiety, and neurotransmitter disruption. Since Iron (and B vitamins) also help us manufacture energy, having more energy can make us feel better and allow us to participate in the activities we enjoy.
So go ahead and purchase a bunch of spinach, kale, collards, Swiss chard, mizuna, mustard greens, dandelion, or any dark leafy greens you want and experiment with different Indian cooking ingredients to include them into your diet.
- Whole grains
Whole grains and high-fibre meals are excellent substitutes for items containing refined sugars or flour. Oats are high in whole grains and may be eaten in a variety of ways. The fibre in oats can improve carbohydrate digestion and the gradual release of sugar into circulation, which helps to maintain steady energy levels.
- Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a variety of other nutrients such as protein, fibre, calcium, and iron. The mood-boosting snack contains magnesium, nature’s calming mineral, which can help relieve tension and anxiety.
In the culinary context, these tiny seeds may be used to prepare a great egg replacement, a delicious pudding, and dairy-free smoothies and baked products.
- Fermented foods
Probiotics-fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut that help keep your gut bacteria in check are all the rage these days. The fermentation process for these meals allows living bacteria to flourish and produce probiotics, which stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in your stomach and boost serotonin levels.
- Chocolate
We all enjoy chocolate, but luckily for us, it is also high in mood-boosting components. The sugar in chocolate is an excellent source of brain power. Other chemicals, such as caffeine, theobromine, and N-Acylethanolamine, have also been associated with mood enhancement. Its pleasant taste, texture, and scent have also been shown to improve mood.
Enjoy a piece of chocolate or a good cup of hot cocoa to take advantage of this mood-boosting delight.
Let’s take a spoon forward to happier meals
We all have sad days, but choosing healthier, whole meals over highly processed, high-sugar, and high-calorie items will help lift your spirits. While it may be difficult to incorporate all of these mood-boosting foods into your diet, even tiny quantities can begin to enhance both your brain health and your mental health.
Now that you’ve made the switch to happier and healthier meals, find out how you can remodel your space and strive towards a better lifestyle by making your house eco-friendly.
This calculative approach to your system can be further enhanced with expert-backed Pinch’s meal planning solutions that guides you through your food journey based on your preferences. Discover what’s missing from your meals, add ones that uplift your mood and get relief from the constant burden of meal preparation for the following day.
References
- https://www.eatingwell.com/article/141652/7-foods-to-boost-your-mood/
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/foods-to-uplift-your-mood
- https://www.homecareassistancedesmoines.com/impact-of-leafy-greens-on-brain-health/
- https://www.culinarynutrition.com/mood-boosting-foods/
- https://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/mood-boosting-foods
- https://www.orchidsandsweettea.com/10-foods-to-help-boost-your-mood/
