Spread the Joy: 8 Foods to Boost Your Mood
- 8waystobefit
- Mar 15, 2019
- 3 min read
Happiness is a state of mind. Today’s busy life does get to us sometimes, leaving us feeling stressed and upset. You can try to include some of the food items listed below to lift your spirits as they are good for your body as well as the mind!
1. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate (with a high cocoa content) is very nutritious and is loaded with antioxidants. Eating chocolate releases several neurotransmitters (like serotonin) that give an instant boost in concentration, mood, and optimism. Also, eating chocolate releases endorphins into the brain, and they reportedly decrease levels of stress as well as pain. So treat yourself with a healthy bar of dark chocolate (not snickers and bounty), but make sure you’re not overeating!
Listen to Professor Lupin, guys.
2. Greek Yogurt
Yogurt is full of calcium, and calcium not only makes your bones strong but also activates your brain. Low levels of calcium have been linked to depression and irritability. Greek Yogurt is a good source of calcium as it is rich in proteins, low in carbs, and contains probiotics, therefore, making a healthy snack. A happy stomach is a happy mind.
3. Almond
We have grown up hearing that badaam milk is good for memory, is that true? Almonds are rich in several minerals and brain-boosting chemicals (such as riboflavin and phenylalanine), and they do boost memory and help in the maintenance of the nervous system and cognitive functions. You can add them to your breakfast cereals, smoothies, milkshakes, dips, salads, and desserts or carry them in tiffin box and munch on them while traveling.
4. Berries
Again, they reportedly help in the production of serotonin and endorphins and have antioxidants, thus lifting your mood and calming you down. Additionally, eating healthy quantities of berries may improve thinking, reasoning, and memory, which in turn would make us smile, isn’t it? Therefore, for better mental health, munch on strawberries, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc. You can add them to salads and desserts, make smoothies and punches with them, or just have them as a whole.
Be BERRY happy.
5. Spinach
Spinach contains lots of folic acids, which helps in serotonin production and in turn, elevates mood. Maybe that is why Popeye is not only fit but also happy (he smiles when he is not fighting Bluto)!
6. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea contains flavonoids that help you feel relaxed. Compared to other teas, this variant is low in caffeine content. In many folk medicines, chamomile tea has been used to decrease anxiety and insomnia. There are several brands now selling this tea. You can try having some before going to bed to see the effects for yourself.
Feeling fancy? Have some tea. Feeling tired? Have some tea.
7. Eggs
Eggs supply vitamin B12, folic acid, as well as healthy proteins and fats—they all are important for proper brain functions. Plus, the yolks are packed with choline and carotenoids—which have been linked to optimism. Even the American Heart Association (ahem ahem) has agreed that eggs are a great way to start the day. But not just for breakfast, you can eat them whenever you want.
8. Chicken
Chicken is a good source of B vitamins, which have been reported to calm the body and mind and also reduce migraines. But it is better to make a healthy chicken meal or soup (i.e., not too oily or spicy, well, because indigestion doesn’t make us happy).
Doesn’t matter who came first—eat both!
“Happiness is a place between TOO MUCH and TOO LITTLE” (a Finnish proverb). Balance it out! Eat healthily and, occasionally, give in to your cravings to be fit and happy.
Note: Images have been taken from the internet.
-Debaipsa Bhattacharya
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