5 Foods to Boost Your Mood
It’s no surprise to say that we Minnesotans are OVER this below zero spell! Thank heavens that starting today we will be above zero for 10 days?!?! Maybe that silly Punxsutawney Phil was wrong-o about winter being continued.
I don’t know about you, but I have been “off” my workout regimen and founding it harder to exercise and be outside. I’ve also found myself enjoying more food. Which is jusssstttt fine. I often find that we have these “whips” of sorts on ourselves. Huge expectations to uphold and follow and then we are often letting our own selves down. Does this happen to you?
Here is a list of some easy to consume foods that will help boost your mood naturally!
1. Turmeric – This bad boy is an antioxidant rich root that boosts dopamine and serotonin levels. One study found that curcumin, the primary antioxidant component in turmeric, not only boosted cognitive function but also improved mood in study participants. It is best absorbed when combined with black pepper!
2. Coconut oil- This multi-purpose puppy has been often criticized by the medical community for its ability to raise cholesterol. But when it comes to depression, that may be a good thing. One meta-analysis demonstrated that the low total cholesterol is associated with higher rates of depression.
3. Wild Alaskan Salmon- is rich in inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acids and muscle- building proteins (that’s a lot of hyphens!). Fish is often referred to as “brain food” because it supplies essential fats that allow brain membranes to perform at peak level, which is key for regulation of mood.
4. Yogurt – Rich in probiotics which promotes healthy gut. We will get into the specifics more about this in later posts, don’t you worry! One study found women eating probiotic-rich yogurt 2x/day for 4 weeks showed a significant decrease in brain activity in the neural networks that help control emotional behavior. What you eat impacts your brain’s sensory processing and emotion. This is why you may feel sensations (aka butterflies in stomach) when you get emotional, and probiotic rich foods may temper those emotional responses.
5. Sesame Seeds- These little cuties are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps control your stress response.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re thinking… Shannon, how can I get these benefits all in one?!?! Insert thought bubble of a salmon marinated in yogurt, soaked first in coconut oil, sprinkled with turmeric and sesame seeds!!!!
