Got the monday blues or everyday blues? Irritated and snapping at folks around you? Even if you’re not, would you say no to being in a better mood? One of the best ways to boost your mood is to …eat! Recent research on mood swings have actually shown that certain foods can boost your mood, making you relax and be more alert.

Not a guilty pleasure but a must-have staple

Are you depressed or often feel low? Craving for that intense sugar rush? Nine out ten times, you reach out for that tempting and mouth-watering candy or a can of coke to generate an instant spike in the your blood sugar. This definitely makes you feel high in good spirits but only for a little while. Instead, it’s better to control your blood sugar to prevent ups and downs, by eating consistently. This gives your body and brain a constant fuel supply. But before you reach for that packet of m&m’s  or serve yourself an extra scoop of rich chocolate chip ice cream, you might want to consider the healthier snack options to munch on. Making better choices will not only have you feeling better, but also help make sure you consume the right kind of calories.

Completely stressed out? Yes, is an obvious answer with our all-too hectic and busy lifestyles. When you feel the stress building up in your body and mind and lack motiviation to do anything, reach for that piece of chocolate stashed away. There you go, you heard right! Sugars are bad; but studies have shown that dark chocolate helps reduce stress hormones that tend to swarm our body. Just don’t go and gobble up a huge bar in one sitting! Break off a small piece (or two) and feel the stress ebb away. This will help you get your work done much faster….and sweeter !

green tea cuppa

Working too much? Angry because a whole load of work was dumped on you just before your vay-kay time? Or maybe the neighbour’s dog kept you awake half the night and the smallest things are setting you off now. Try sipping a  cup of green tea to calm down. Green tea has high theanine content, which can help calm you down and improve your concentration. The low caffeine content in the tea won’t do any harm, either. You might even call your friends over to share a cuppa with you! 🙂

Need a happiness boost for a sad day? Though a sugar rush can do a good job for a very short time, what will keep you smiling longer is a boost of vitamin D. Serotonin, also called the ‘feel-good’ hormone, can help you feel relaxed and happy. Have a bowl of oatmeal with low fat milk and some strawberries. The vitamin D present in cereals can help reduce feelings of depression. And to top it off, the bright color of the strawberries will make you feel better!

Poached Salmon with Mango Salsa and fresh Dill

A diet rich in omega-3 helps improve your mood. Try some poached salmon or sardines with whole wheat bread, and you’ll start feeling better sooner than you thought!

When you are feeling sluggish and fighting to keep your eyes open, a cup of coffee might do the trick. But what’s even better is a fresh salad filled with green leafy veggies, or even a spinach sandwich. Rich in folic acid, foods such as spinach and other green leafy vegetables, potatoes (not the fried ones!), peas, and mushrooms fuel the brain with the necessary nutrients and give it a wake-up call. So, the next time you feel that yawn coming on, try a tasty leafy salad!

Green Goodness !

A second helping of mashed potatoes or cheesy pasta is not only comforting, but provides temporary mood boosts that can make you feel on top of the world. They might serve as a feel-good factor for a short time like any other high-carb and high-comfort food. But the feelings will undoubtedly be short lived, and your weighing scale may just make your mood plummet. So next time your mood takes a turn for worse, try some of the healthier options for improving your mood. Forget the bucket of ice cream. A better eating plan may be just what you need. Eat healthy; happiness is just a bite away.