June 4, 2017
Sure you’ll get a quick burst of joy from eating a chocolate chip cookie but I think we all know that kind of happiness is pretty short-lived. (Plus too much sugar leads to all kinds of other depressing subjects but that’s a whole other blog, right?)
I think food is kind of like fuel for your car: unless you give your car the right kind of gasoline it won’t run properly so eating food with little or no nutritional value is simply asking for trouble thinking things through or even just maintaining a happy mood throughout the day!
Here are 3 foods that actually boost your mood:
1. Wild caught salmon
People who eat plenty of fish containing Omega-3 fatty acids tend to not only have a lower risk of depression but also tend to simply have a more positive outlook on life. Salmon also contains vitamin B-12, which helps produce brain chemicals that affect mood (and low levels of B-12 are linked to depression.)
2. Leafy greens
Spinach, chard, and other dark leafy greens contain magnesium which increases the brain’s production of serotonin (one of our feel-good hormones.) About half of all Americans don’t eat enough magnesium-rich food and magnesium deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety. BONUS: magnesium also helps relax muscles leading to better sleep and digestion and elimination (remember good ole’ Milk of Magnesia?!) I’m sure we can all agree a good night’s sleep and a good poop are a GREAT way to start the day LOL!
3. Blueberries
Loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids, blueberries support a more positive mood because they activate neural pathways associated with better cognition and less cellular aging (I know thinking clearly and feeling young always puts ME in a good mood!)
So fill your plate with lots of nutrient-dense foods then just sit back and enjoy the ride!
