The Food-Mood Cure

Studies suggest that certain food choices can improve your mood, but when people are feeling low or tired the last thing they want is a plate of vegetables. Think about it. When you need comfort what do you crave? Probably something sweet like a piece of chocolate cake. While this seems comforting and delicious at the time, it can actually have the opposite effect. Instead of turning to sweet desserts or fried food, try these super foods which can enhance your mood:

• Salmon
• Oatmeal
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Blueberries
• Quinoa

These superfoods can increase the feel-good hormones in the brain, stabilize blood sugar levels, help with seasonal affective disorder and keep the cell membranes pliable and flexible.

As you incorporate more of these foods into your holiday meals, you’ll find that you’re able to crowd out the foods that do not contribute to feeling great like red meat, chemicalized junk foods, alcohol and caffeine. These foods have proven to promote inflammation and cause a roller coaster effect on blood sugar levels.

While foods can contribute a lot to how one feels, you may need a more integrative approach and include other remedies as well. You’ll want to incorporate more exercise, whether it’s outside or at the gym. Pinpoint those people who make you feel happy and start spending more time with them. Be sure that you are also getting enough rest.

By integrating all of these remedies you will notice a vast improvement on your mood and energy levels. Experiment, and let us know what works for you.