10 Foods to Boost your Mood

You know that moment when you are feeling down and just can't seem to find a way to get out of the funk?

Maybe it's because you're dealing with stress from work, or your personal life is throwing you for a loop.

Whatever the cause may be, food can help! You know what they say, "you are what you eat."

The truth is that your mood can be significantly influenced by the foods you eat. Certain foods can have a positive effect on your mood and help improve it.

The following are ten mood-boosting foods that can help you feel better.

You may not be able to eat these all the time, but they're worth a try when your day is going south.

1. Dark Chocolate

This is a great mood booster because it contains serotonin, which can help to elevate your spirits.

It also has magnesium and tryptophan that promote relaxation! Magnesium relaxes muscles, improves blood flow, and helps prevent migraines.

The best part about dark chocolate? It tastes amazing! Studies show that eating dark chocolate can help reduce stress levels by up to 30%.

2. Bananas

Bananas can help you feel better because they contain tryptophan, which can help to boost your mood.

They also have potassium and magnesium that promote relaxation!

The best part about bananas?

You don't need a lot of them for the benefits to take effect--a small banana is enough because it's high-energy fruit with just 100 calories per serving.

3. Spinach and other dark leafy greens

Spinach is a great food choice for mood-boosting benefits.

It has many health benefits, including magnesium and tryptophan content as well as potassium that promotes relaxation!

Spinach does not have much of the calories it looks like, and you can enjoy just one cup without becoming overly hungry because spinach packs a nutritious punch with only 20 calories.

4. Salmon or tuna fish

The benefits of fish include the omega-three fatty acids that have been shown to help with depression.

Omega-three fatty acids have been shown to help with depression because they affect certain mood-related hormones.

Omega 3 also contains protein and is great for your heart health, as well!

5. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts

Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are all high in protein.

Protein is mood-boosting because it helps the brain produce serotonin (the feel-good hormone).

Hazelnut has been shown to help with depression by increasing the production of serotonin - the "feel good" hormone!

6. Quinoa

Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate that will help boost your mood.

Complex carbohydrates are an important part of any diet because they provide energy and don't cause blood sugar spikes like simple carbs do, which can lead to feelings such as anxiety or depression!

7. Whole grains like oats or barley

Oats and barley are both high in fiber, which is an important mood-boosting nutrient.

Fiber helps the body regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates so that they don't cause spikes or dips!

This can help prevent feelings such as anxiety from occurring because it stabilizes your energy level throughout the day.

8. Leafy green vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are a great mood-boosting food because they contain folate, which is important for the production of serotonin.

Folate also helps regulate blood sugar levels and helps prevent feelings such as anxiety or depression from occurring!

9 . Olive oil

Olive oil is a great mood booster because it contains omega fatty acid.

Omega fats are essential for brain health and can help improve your memory, concentration levels and regulate blood pressure!

10 . Water

Water is mood-boosting because it helps regulate your body's temperature. It can also help you feel more nourished and refreshed during the day.

A study in 2013 showed that drinking water with a light meal (such as soup) reduces feelings of depression, anger, or vulnerability due to not feeling hungry!

Consuming real food is a great way to boost your energy, but you should also take care of yourself by getting enough sleep and exercise. We must look after ourselves to live our best lives!

"Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food."

Hippocrates