7 good mood foods
You’ve lost your Mojo and you’re in a funk. The day to day routines are getting you down and feeling overwhelmed. Your mind and body aren’t doing what you expect them to do and you just want to get off the merrie-go-round and call time out!!!
I too know that feeling and the overwhelm that comes with it can set me off to a pity party the moment just one more “job” is added to my list. My work, family and training suffer cause I just can’t keep up, or my body isn’t working the way it used to – see pity party!!
We can all feel this way at times and this is when I turn to my 7 Good Mood Food’s.
There’s a mountain of evidence from researchers that tells us our gut really is our second brain. The bacteria in our gut plays an essential role in protecting our intestines and providing a strong barrier against toxins and bad bacteria. They improve absorption of nutrients from our food and activate neural pathways that travel between our gut and our brain. So what we eat ultimately affects our mood, risk of depression and anxiety and our cognitive function.
Good mood food is so important for us to lead happy and vibrant lives, so when the doldrums hit me, these are the foods I turn to. Not only are the good for me, they’re comfort food and tastes bl**dy awesome.
Blueberries - With a high content of antioxidants known as flavonoids, blueberries help activate brain pathways associated with better cognition and less cellular aging.
Salmon – An excellent source of Omega3 fatty acids, selenium and Vitamin B12 which are all associated with reducing the incidence of depression and anxiety. These fats are powerful in improving the body’s cell ability to take up essential hormones, including those involved in mood regulation. Eat it anyway and everyway you can!!!!
Probiotics – Fermented foods, such as yogurt with active cultures, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh and certain pickled vegetables, contain probiotics (healthy bacteria) which have been shown to effect the neurotransmitter GABA that reduces anxiety and stress hormones.
Greens – Popeye might have been onto something with all that spinach. Foods high in folic acid and vitamin B such as spinach and broccoli have been proven to help ward against depression, fatigue and insomnia. Sautéed in butter and garlic and seasoned with S&P, just delish!!
Nuts - Full of serotonin, a feel-good chemical that’s in short supply when you’re feeling sad, anxious or depressed. Nuts are also full of antioxidants, protein and healthy fats. I’m love walnuts, almonds and cashews — just be sure to be mindful of how many you eat.
Mushrooms - Have good levels of selenium and vitamin B6. While the entire B vitamin complex family is critical to ensuring our physical and psychological health, B6 is particularly great for improving your mood and feeling good. B6 impacts the production of serotonin and neurotransmitters they are associated with a positive mood and reducing stress naturally.
Dark Chocolate – I couldn’t leave this one out. Reviews indicate cocoa can shake a bad mood to it’s core and can be protective against depression. Sipping antioxidant rich hot cocoa is so comforting and increases feelings of contentment and happiness. Since sugars have a negative effect on brain health, choose the dark varieties and keep the potions to one or two squares per day.
Remember that food and nourishing your body is only one part of lifting your mood. Exercise, fresh air, self care and managing stress all go a long way to get you out of that funk. And don’t forget your friends and family. Catch up with them and have a good laugh, you’ll be surprised at how good it feels.
If you’re feeling like you want more help to give your body and mind the right nutrients to support your good moods, make an appointment and we’ll find exactly what works for you. Enjoy your Good Mood Food!!