The food we eat affects our mood, energy levels, and performance. Certain foods have been shown to improve overall mood, while others can negatively impact mood (highly processed foods or foods with too many added sugars or preservatives, for example).
Foods that enhance mood are the same that will better balance blood sugar, promote healthy gut bacteria, and support optimal brain health.
How and when we eat also plays a role in balancing mood. Eat regularly throughout the day, choose unprocessed more often, add protein, healthy fats, and fiber to meals, and limit sweets, especially on an empty stomach.
Try incorporating these mood-boosting tips & foods into your diet.
Eat at regular intervals.
Regular meals and snacks give your body the necessary fuel to support optimal brain function through nutrients and balanced blood sugar, a crucial part of lifting mood.
Complex carbohydrates
Foods rich in complex carbohydrates, like whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables, can help boost your mood. They increase the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical in your brain.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (such as salmon and sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, have been linked to improved mood, and some studies have shown a reduced risk of depression.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are resistant starch carbohydrates that fuel probiotics and decrease inflammation in the gut, directly impacting mood. Some examples include cruciferous vegetables, radishes, and artichokes, and cooked and then cooled (for at least 8 hours) grains.
Know your DNA
Knowing your DNA gives insight into the best foods and lifestyle approaches to better balance the brain’s chemical messengers (serotonin and dopamine) for a better mood. Start your journey toward optimal health today; reply to this email with “I’m Ready” to learn more about how I can help you reach your goals.
Try this Creamy Apple Pie Protein Oatmeal!
