Lots of things put me in a good mood: Vacation, a completed project, my son’s laugh, petting my dog, coffee with a friend, 80s music and yoga to name a few. Now I’m excited because I get to add food to my list. Yes, what you eat can affect how you feel! There are foods that are nourishing and vitalizing to our brain and our gut, both of which are involved with our mood. Keep your eyes peeled for foods that contain antioxidants, calcium, chromium, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D and zinc. Where do we find these nutrients? Check it out…
Avocado: Avocados are truly a wonder food. In addition to supporting heart health, containing loads of important nutrients and lots of fiber, the healthy fats in avocados, specifically oleic acid, provide your brain with what it needs to function at its best. Whether it’s on toast or your tortilla chips (baked and organic, of course), feel free to load up!
Raw nuts: If you’ve heard of serotonin, you might know that it’s a chemical associated with mood regulation and social behavior. Nuts can help increase serotonin levels, so grabbing a handful of walnuts, cashews, almonds or Brazil nuts could be just the thing you need for a mid-day boost. In addition, nuts contain healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants.
Wild caught salmon: Vitamin B12 and Omega 3 fatty acids make this fish an excellent choice if you want to go from bleak to blissful.
Coconut: Once again, we see healthy fats take center stage in supporting brain function. In addition, a study has shown that the scent of coconut may curb your stress response. Imagine yourself soaking up some rays on a tropical island and try not to be happy!
Raw Cacao: Finally! The perfect excuse to consume chocolate. As long as you don’t overdo it, look for something that is at least 70% cacao, lightly and naturally sweetened (stevia leaf and monkfruit are two of my favorite sweeteners). Raw cacao contains serotonin, antioxidants, PEA (phenethylamine) and anandamide – all connected to enhanced mood.
Just trying to decide which good mood food I'm gonna eat next!
Berries: Thanks to high antioxidant levels, berries are a great good mood food. In addition, they are high in fiber and low in sugar, which makes them great for digestion. As we learn more about the link between the gut and the brain, it’s becoming clear that a happy tummy = happy person
What’s on the avoid list? Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, refined sugars, unhealthy fats (fried foods), artificial sweeteners, processed and packaged foods as much as possible to remain your glass-half-full self.
So, next time you’re feeling a little “blah” (or better yet, before you feel blah), grab some of these feel good foods and go from gloomy to groovy!