Superfoods to the Rescue!

 

It’s about time to get into those cold winter months that always seem never ending. During these months, some people tend to get the winter blues. Combat these winter blues with an easy solution. Aside from staying active during the winter months, these superfoods can help brighten the season! Try these superfoods to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and super boost your mood.

Fruits and Vegetables. If fruits and vegetables weren’t part of your diet before, it’s time to get on board. It has been found that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of depression. The B vitamin found in beans, citrus, and dark green vegetables affects neurotransmitters that impact your mood. Having a diet that contains a lot of fruits and vegetables gives you a lot of nutrients that you wouldn’t get otherwise and that can give you the mood boost that you are looking for. You won’t find this boost when eating desserts, fried foods, and other unhealthy items.

Oatmeal. A great way to get the morning off to a good start is with a bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal is high in magnesium which has been shown to fight off anxiety and depression. It also contains soluble fiber which helps to stabilize mood swings. Oatmeal will get you feeling good in the morning and lead to a better day overall.

Almonds. If you’re looking for the perfect afternoon snack, look no further. Almonds are a great snack because they are convenient, and they fill you up. Almonds are also high in magnesium and healthy fats which maintains good brain health and combats depression. Make almonds your normal snack every day, and you will be sure to see a positive boost in your mood.

Dark Chocolate. Despite some bad stereotypes, chocolate can actually be good for you! Dark chocolate is a natural mood booster. It contains cocoa flavanols which help reduce stress levels. A little more chocolate? Don’t mind if I do!

Honey. Honey can be added to your diet here and there. It’s a natural sweetener that actually has a calming effect; it can soothe your anxious mind. Honey also contains tryptophan which induces sleep and causes you to relax. A cup of tea with some honey is a great way to wind down at the end of a long day.

Fish. Eating fish, like salmon and tuna, will give you omega-3s. Omega-3s are a mood-boosting ingredient which is something we need but our bodies can’t produce.  Omega-3s are linked to our mood because they can alter the chemicals in our brain that are linked to depression, aggression, and pleasure.

If you want to boost your mood this winter or any time of the year, try to add at least one or two of these superfoods to your diet. There’s no harm in trying a food that can help you relax, de-stress, and make for a brighter day.