6 Foods That Are Good For Your Mood

When they are down, people often resort to comfort foods like ice cream and French fries, but there are other, healthier alternatives when it comes to lifting your spirits. Here are 6 foods that are good for your mood and your body.

Dark Chocolate

Make no mistake, all chocolate is not good for you, and the only variety you need to be looking for is dark chocolate. Real dark chocolate can help fight stress hormones, namely cortisol and catecholamines, and reduce anxiety. So the next time you feel stressed out because of work or anything else, just eat a small bit of actual dark chocolate and go with the flow.

Apple and Peanut Butter

If you are feeling irritated and cranky, it is probably because your body is low on energy. While carbs are excellent sources of fuel, they burn out too fast unless they are complimented by fiber or fat, which slow down the processes and help retain that energy for longer periods. An apple slice or two along with a spoon of peanut butter can last you the whole day and continue giving you energy that will keep you up and jumping.

Spinach

Go for spinach instead of caffeine if you are looking for a quick fix to a slow morning. The folic acid content in spinach fights against homocysteine, which is responsible for reducing the flow of blood to your brain and making you feel slow and sluggish.  Other foods rich in folic acid include green vegetables, peas and beans.

Salmon

Salmon fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are not only essential for your physical but also mental health. If you are suffering from anxiety, depression, frustration or anger, fatty acids can help you deal with all these issues. The best sources of omega-3 are cold water fish like salmon and mackerel.

Green Tea

If you feel really irritated or angry, green tea can help you calm down. Green tea includes theanine, which helps you focus and concentrate. Moreover, green tea has a much lower quantity of caffeine, which means it is not as brutal as coffee.

Whole-Grain Cereal with Milk

Lack of vitamin D can lead to depression and leave you feeling sad. A good way to counter this is to eat whole-grain cereal, which is rich in vitamin D. This vitamin stimulates the production of serotonin, which is a hormone responsible for making you ‘feel good’.