Mood-Boosting Foods
It’s no surprise that you can become incredibly stressed—the workload and assignments are equally as challenging as those administered at a work or school. But instead of letting that stress consume you and lashing out at innocent bystanders like your family, co-workers or friends, learn how to change your mood. A good way to do this is to make sure you’re eating all the right foods. Below are some common foods known to boost your mood whenever you are particularly feeling stressed, sad or downright grouchy.
When consumed in moderate portions, chocolate is a healthy and tasty instantaneous mood elevator—perhaps that’s why for generations women have turned to the delicious treat to help heal after a bad breakup. Chocolate helps fight depression and irritability because it is filled with phenylethylamine, a chemical that helps produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps send “feel-good” chemicals to the brain (think of it as a natural antidepressant). If you aren’t really fond of chocolate, then pour yourself a tall glass of milk. Milk also contains large quantities of phenylethylamine.
If you are a seafood lover, then head on over to your local fish market. This is because fish and shellfish are also known to elevate mood. Seafood is filled with Selenium, a chemical that is proven to not only increase levels of happiness and decreased level of stress, but it also gives you an energy boost. Salmon and tuna specifically are also great seafood choices because they contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids. These fats help repair brain cells which is essential in maintaining a good mood. So the next time you feel like chopping someone’s head off, grab a can or pouch of tuna or salmon and have a light snack before you do anything or say something you might regret.
Lastly,ever wonder why Popeye seemed so cheery? Perhaps it’s because he had a diet high in spinach. Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens can help you reduce your anxiety and stress levels. This is because they contain high levels of folic acid and magnesium— two key nutrients that researches have discovered can help reduce stress and depression among other negative and harmful feelings
