5 healthy foods that will lift your mood

Do you ever feel a bit moody after eating a meal? More bleh than yeah? It may have something to do with the food itself. There have been numerous studies on the impact food has on your feelings. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide covering 5 foods to boost your mood. These are in no particular order, they’re just some of our favourites. Think of this guide as food for thought.

Dark chocolate

Kicking things off on a sweet note, dark chocolate is a stimulant, relaxant, and euphoriant. When you enjoy a piece of cocoa, it boosts the production of the feel-good endorphins – the same mood booster you get after a great workout. Endorphins also reduce pain and lessen the negative effects of stress. So next time you’re feeling a bit flat, have a few squares of delicious dark chocolate.

Fatty fish

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are widely known. One of the staples of this regime is plenty of fatty fish. Salmon in particular is exceptional for your diet as it’s jam-packed full of omega-3 fatty acids – an essential oil shown to aid in the treatment of several mental disorders like depression. The thing about omega-3 fatty acids is your body can’t create them by itself – it needs to get them from food. So next time you’re at the shops, add some salmon to your trolley.

Oats

Oats are an incredibly versatile superfood. You can enjoy them on their own with a bit of water and nutmeg in a nice porridge, add them to your muesli, or even do a cheeky overnight batch. And, if their multipurpose qualities weren’t enough, they’re also a top mood booster. Oats are an excellent source of fibre. Fibre slows down the digestion of carbs, which in turn gradually releases sugars into your bloodstream. Sugars that then help to boost your energy levels.

Blueberries

High in antioxidants, blueberries are a fantastic way to boost your mood. They’re also rich in illness-fighting anthocyanins, a chemical that may help lower the chances of depression. If that’s not enticing enough, blueberries are also bursting with flavour and nourishing natural sugars. We suggest throwing a few into a smoothie or on top of your breakfast cereal. Better yet, why not include them in some delicious banana pancakes? Now that’s a treat!

Bananas

Bananas are a great source of beneficial vitamins and minerals. What separates bananas from other fruits and vegetables is their high levels of vitamin B6, which is known to activate positive neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Paired with sky-high amounts of natural sugar and fibre, bananas are great for gut health and boosting your mood.

Nutrition and fitness – a holistic approach

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