Whether it's psychological or physiological, it's clear that foods have a powerful effect on our mood. Eating only nutrient-packed foods that affect brain chemistry might be the best way to achieve enhanced mood and happiness, but the occasional indulgence could make you just as happy. Maybe a healthy balance of nutritious foods and comfort foods can help maintain the balance in a person's mood better than a strict diet!
By making a few simple changes to the way you eat, you can lift up your mood and boost your metabolism. The benefits are immense: sustaining a good mood will help you stick to a healthy, balanced diet, be more productive, and increase your self-esteem. When your metabolism is working most effectively, it will help you feel your best and energized to get the most out of life.
Certain foods, when consumed in excess, may trigger or worsen negative moods. Nutritional consensus recommends limiting processed sugars, such as cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose and honey, which may contribute to blood sugar spikes and erratic mood swings. Enriched processed breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods may create similar effects and provide fewer nutrients than whole grain food sources. Keep your saturated fat intake low by limiting fatty red meats, dark-meat poultry, fried foods and high-fat dairy products. Fatty foods may cause inflammation, gas and lethargicness and are associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease amongst other major diseases. Caffeine and alcohol can also disturb your mood.
Our favourite mood booster foods are:
Chocolate
This food is well renowned for combating depression and making you feel better. Chocolate is a food that acts as a mood enhancer because of the phenethylamine it contains. phenethylamine stimulates the brain to produce serotonin, which is closely linked with mood and is a naturally occurring chemical that acts as an antidepressant in the brain. Natural dark chocolate should be the preferred choice because of its low amounts of sugar. Order your healthy chocolates from CAHO and get it delivered to your doorstep!
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a mood booster for several well validated reasons. This cereal contains high amounts of soluble fibre which has been proven to lower blood sugar levels. This also has the effect of reducing increased irritability and hunger. Oatmeal is digested gradually from your stomach, and provides the energy needed to get through the day without feeling tired or lethargic! Order your sugar-free muesli mixes for home delivery and make delicious oatmeal bowls at home :)
Bananas
Bananas are an ideal food to add to your diet if you want to elevate your mood. Many mood problems can be linked to stress and a diet that is missing essential ingredients. A deficiency in Magnesium and Potassium can have a negative effect on your mood, so eating a banana can prevent the deficiency and keep you feeling positive.
Spinach
Research has found another reason to eat your spinach! Spinach is rich in folic acid and magnesium. Both nutrients are directly linked to positive mood. A deficiency of either of these nutrients can cause depression and anxiety, as well as other harmful effects from stress.
Author: Dietitian from www.beyond-nutrition.ae.