Brighten up your winter - a guide to ‘good mood’ foods
Did you know that the foods you eat may be affecting your mood as well as your waistline?
“If you often find yourself feeling lethargic and lacking in energy, and your hair and skin condition is poor, then it may be time to take a look at what you’re eating,” suggests Slimavite nutritionist, Melanie Bibby.
She explains: “For optimum health for mind and body, you need to eat a healthy balanced diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrain, oily fish and lean protein. As well as missing out on vital nutrients, eating a poor diet can have a strong influence on your concentration, energy and wellbeing.
“It is also important to eat regularly. If you skip breakfast, your blood sugar may drop making you tired and lacking in concentration around mid morning. Try to eat three meals a day with a few healthy snacks in between, and watch your energy levels and concentration dramatically improve.”
Getting outside and into nature rich areas has also been proven to help reduce rates of depression and anxiety, so try to take a break from your busy schedule each day to step outside.
Exercise can also help with mood. If your trainers are covered in cobwebs, remember to start slowly and build up your activity levels and wait for those ‘happy’ endorphins to be released.
The Top 10 Good Mood Foods
Blueberries
This fabulous super food is low in calories and high in fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, which are great at absorbing the free radicals produced by stress.
Chocolate
Yes you better believe it. Chocolate not only makes us happy physiologically but it also contains caffeine, a stimulant that triggers the release of serotonin and endorphins. To get the real health benefits of chocolate, you want to look for options that are processed as little as possible and contain the highest cocoa percentages, such as Green & Blacks organic dark 85% cocoa bar.
Avocado
Avocado contains very high levels of folic acid and is thought to help with libido, as well as providing you with more energy. For slimmers, enjoy a small amount as they are also high in fat.
Salmon
This fresh and flavoursome fish is an excellent source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for memory and cognitive performance. Indulging in foods that are high in omega fats can be very beneficial for health, helping with the prevention of heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol and arthritis.
Water
Water is essential for our bodies, yet most of us still don’t drink enough! Dehydration can make you feel tired, but water can help restore your energy levels. The most common times that people are dehydrated are in the morning and after exercise, so make sure you drink up.
Bananas
These fruity things are full of tryptophan, an amino acid that aids the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that improves your mood, encourages relaxation and promotes healthy skin.
Bananas make a great snack. The sweet taste can also act as a good substitute for sugar cravings and after a workout, it can help replace vital vitamins and minerals you’ve used up.
Sunflower Seeds
This highly addictive snack contains a concentrated amount of nutrients that the body needs. They’re rich in vitamin E and magnesium, both of which contribute to improving mood and protecting against cancer. The seeds also have a high levels serotonin which can promote relaxation, calm the brain and relieve tension.
Almonds
As amazing as it may seem, the almond can help boost your brainpower, stabilise your mood and even relieve the aging process – fantastic! Almonds are rich in zinc and vitamin B12, making them real mood enhancers. For slimmers, stick to enjoying a small handful as they are high in fat.
Spinach
No wonder Popeye was always so jolly: his beloved spinach is swimming in antioxidants, which protect our delicate brain cells from the free radicals that dampen mood and drain energy. Spinach is also rich in vitamin B, strongly linked with preventing depression and reducing fatigue. Toss spinach into your salads, sandwiches and soups to up your intake.
Oats
What better way to gain the strength and energy to carry you through a hectic morning schedule than with a steaming bowl of freshly cooked oatmeal, packed full of vitamin B – lovely.
For more details, visit slimavite.com.