Has your mood taken a nosedive? Check out these tips to improve your mood with some simple diet tips. Feel free to share these tips with others, especially that person who always seems to be in a bad mood.
Fish, particularly fish high in omega 3 fatty acids, manipulate brain chemicals in ways that boost mood. Also studies reveal that there is a low incidence of depression in countries that consume a lot of fish. Good sources of omega 3s include wild salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel.
Don't like fish? Other sources of omega 3s include walnuts and flaxseed.
Milk contains a potent combination of whey protein and carbohydrate. Together these nutrients increase serotonin levels and reduce feelings of anxiety, anger, and frustration, so you have better coping skills against stress. Need to wind down at night? Have a glass of milk before bed or even make a cup of no sugar added hot cocoa with milk.
Eggs, more specifically egg yolks are the only major source of phospholipids, which are required to create a healthy cell membrane throughout the entire body, especially in the brain. Eggs also contain choline, an essential nutrient that is the basis of all neurotransmission in the brain. To stay within American Heart Association's guidelines of three hundred milligrams of cholesterol a day, only one egg yolk per day is recommended.
B vitamins, particularly folic acid, has a profound effect on your mood. Research shows that a deficiency of folic acid can cause depressive symptoms including fatigue, poor concentration, or moodiness. Folic acid is found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, and broccoli. Fruits such as bananas, strawberries and oranges are also good sources.
Finally, the most important tip to remember, GET ENOUGH SLEEP. When your brain is craving rest, you easily fall into the trap of looking for the foods that you think are going to make you feel better which usually adds more caffeine, sugar, and fat to your diet. But that's a misinterpretation of what you really need, which is rest.
Try this good mood recipe.
Spinach frittata Source:The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook. Jennifer Patzkowsky, MS, RD/LDN
Good Mood Foods
by Jennifer Patzkowsky, MS, RD/LDN
Dietitian's tip: Frittata is an Italian omelet with cheese, meat or vegetables mixed into the eggs rather than folded inside the eggs. This omelet makes for a special breakfast or an easy supper.
SERVES 4
Ingredients:
Directions
Nutritional Analysis (per serving): 176 calories, 6 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 16 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, g 12 g protein.