If you are what you eat, why not chow down on foods that have been proven to make you happier? With only a few tweaks and adjustments to your lifestyle and diet, adding these mood-boosting foods to your daily intake is simple, delicious and leaves a lasting impact.
Seafood: Rich in omega-3 fats, B-12, and iodine, seafood is loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients that can boost your mood. Seafood also contains hefty amounts of selenium, a mineral that fights anxiety and depression. Seafood is not limited to fish such as salmon; lobster, mussels, oysters and scallops are all seafood options that can provide the same mood boosting power.
Nuts: Calcium is not just in milk, it is also found in nuts such as walnuts, pecans and almonds. Calcium has the ability to balance hormones, alleviating symptoms of anxiety, irritability and depression. They are also a great source of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Incorporating these nuts into your diet is easy, just an ounce a day can improve physical and mental health.
Eggs: Recent Harvard studies have shown that the carotenoids in egg yolk may have a link to optimism. Eggs are high in B-12, protein and folate, a crucial part of brain function and overall mental health. Eggs are extremely versatile which makes them an easy addition to breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Beans: Beans contain iron, which boosts mood and energy. They are also high in antioxidants with just half a cup of red beans containing almost twice as many antioxidants as a cup of blueberries.
Kale: In a salad or as a crispy chip, dining on kale is a great way to boost your mood. The phytonutrients in kale have a positive impact on the brain’s health. Along with these phytonutrients, kale is also rich in the vitamin folate, which is often used as a supplement to ease depression.
