Eat right to be happy!
They say “you are what you eat“, and it’s a lot truer than you’d think! The food you eat can have a profound effect on so much more than just your waist line or your cardiovascular health. Eat the right foods, and you’ll be happier, have a higher sex drive, be more energized during the day, and sleep better. Here are a few of the best mood enhancing foods to help you feel happier all day long:
- Dark chocolate – Damned straight! Dark chocolate is bittersweet but wonderful for your mood, thanks to the fact that it triggers the release of both endorphins and serotonin. Both neurochemicals will make you feel better, reduce anxiety, and help you cope with stress.
- Fish – Fatty fish like sardines, tuna, and salmon contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which your brain uses to produce the neurotransmitters that pass the signals of chemicals like dopamine or serotonin through your brain. By increasing the production of neurotransmitters, you help your brain send positive messages more effectively.
- Brazil nuts – These little nuts are an amazing source of Omega-3 fatty acids, but they also contain selenium, an antioxidant that can prevent depression, anxiety, and irritability. The selenium will also combat tiredness and mental fog, helping you to be more alert and aware.
- Oats – Oats are rich in carbs and fiber, meaning they deliver a steady stream of mood-boosting glucose. There’s no glucose spike caused by oats, but you’ll find that the timed release keeps you happy and stable for hours. Oats are also rich in selenium, making them doubly effective for your mood.
- Lentils –– These little legumes are one of the best mood enhancing foods to eat, thanks to their complex carb content. Lentils increase the production of serotonin, calming your mind and making you feel happy. They’re also rich in folate, a B vitamin that is linked to a stable mood. The iron in lentils will also give you a wonderful energy boost.
READ MORE: 10 Foods That Could Be Ruining Your Mood
- Bananas – The sugar in bananas will help you feel better, but the fiber will prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. The vitamins (A, C, and B6) and minerals (phosphorus, potassium, and iron) will increase the production of mood-boosting neurochemicals, and will encourage the production of serotonin.
- Poultry – Both chicken and turkey deserve a place on this list, thanks to their high tryptophan content. Tryptophan is the chemical your body uses to produce serotonin, which is why you always feel so happy and sleepy after a heavy Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Both meats also contain tyrosine, an amino acid that can counter depression.
- Milk – Milk is one of the best sources of calcium, a mineral that has been proven to reduce levels of anxiety and stress. You can also get a bit of sugar from the milk, making you feel better after every sip.
- Oysters – The zinc in oysters are vital for not only the production of energy, but also for a healthy brain. Zinc can counteract the effects of depression, and can stabilize your mood. Oysters are also a good source of tyrosine, the amino acid that is needed for the production of mood-boosting neurochemicals.
- Spinach – Popeye wasn’t just strong; he was happy, too! Spinach provides your body with a variety of B vitamins, which are vital for the production of serotonin. All leafy greens will deliver the B vitamins your body needs, but it’s spinach that contains the best balance of all. Just a cup or so of spinach per day is more than enough!
