Mood altering foods: Ever been down in the dumps, feeling tired, and just want to lay on the couch and eat your sorrows away? What if I told you that could can! True story. Scientists have discovered the link between foods and your mood, energy levels, and stress hormones. And we aren’t just talking coffee and alcohol! Bookmark this list for the next time you need a pick-me-up and try a few foods out for yourself.
Mood Altering Foods)
Chocolate. Yes! I love chocolate!
Eating dark chocolate every day is shown to reduce stress hormones in chronically stressed people.
Cocoa is rich in a type of antioxidants called flavonoids, which help reduce the “fight or flight” response that leads to stress. Dark chocolate also has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity. Grab a piece (approx. 1.4 ounces is recommended) and indulge yourself.
Carbs
This list is great so far! Rumor has it that carbs are bad. Don’t believe the rumors. They can actually boost your mood! Carbs promote the production of serotonin, which is the chemical in your brain that makes you feel good.
Green Vegetables
Ah, you knew that this list was too good to be true. But yes, dark green vegetables like spinach, kale, and swiss chard are high in vitamin B. So while you are snacking on those carbs, add a dark green salad to the mix to help turn the carbs into energy.
Vitamin B is necessary to convert food into energy in the body.
Fish
Eating oily, fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, rainbow trout) will give you Omega-3s. Omega-3s are not naturally produced by the body but is key in boosting our moods. They help alter the brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin to help improve our state of mind. Almonds and walnuts are also good sources of Omega-3s
Avocados
Avocado toast isn’t just a fad. Avocados are a good source of fatigue-reducing folate, also known as folic acid. Spread away on that carb loaded bread and enjoy a great day!
Berries
Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries contain plenty of antioxidants that will help bring life to cells that may be rusting away. Happy and energetic cells = happy and energetic you.
Tea
Swap out your coffee for a green or black tea this afternoon when you start to get in the PM slump. Both green and black tea have some caffeine and aid in digestion, blood circulation, and concentration.
Bonus: Water
When you’re dehydrated, your brain starts get foggy and you may feel tired. Reach for a glass of water first and see if that solves all your problems!
But hey, I won’t judge you if you also grab some chocolate on the way.
Hi there! I’m just a twenty-something food blogger from Seattle, WA. I love to write about healthy(ish) foods on a budget(ish), which basically means that I like to talk about great food that won’t break the bank!
In real life, I’m a travel agent with a degree in Sports Medicine (I know, what?) who loves to travel the world. I learned cooking at a young age and haven’t ever really stopped.
Follow along @sweetbasilthyme on Instagram, Sweet Basil Thyme on Pinterest, or at www.sweetbasilthyme.com for more nutrition tips, healthy recipes, food related lifestyle tips, and the occasional international trip.
Have a great one!