It's that time of year, when everyone seems to get a little gloomy and moody. I was reading up on foods to improve your mood and here is what I came up with.
Oatmeal! Oatmeal smoothes out blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into the blood.
Walnuts! (Why not use them as an oatmeal topping?) Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a type of fat that's needed for brain cells and mood-lifting neurotransmitters to function properly and help with depression.
Tea (and even coffee)! This one is obvious. Those of us who love coffee and tea already know about the instant boost we get from it. Just know your limits. Don't over-do the caffeine. Try switching to Decaf or herbal infusions after your first cup. Rooibos is always a yummy option (I love Tazo's Vanilla Rooibos) or a nice refreshing mint tea.
*Remember: All black, white and green teas are caffeinated. The tea leaves come from the same plant and are just processed/fermented differently.
Salmon (for vitamin D)! Especially in the winter when we don't get quite enough vitamin D from the small amount of sunlight we do get. Research has suggested that vitamin D increases our levels of serotonin. Try it instead of canned tuna in your sandwiches (with a little fresh dill). For me, I'll take salmon sashimi, or smoked salmon. Yum.
Lentils! Lentils are an excellent source of folate (low levels have been linked to depression), a B vitamin that appears to be essential for mood and proper nerve function in the brain. Use them in soups, or cold bean salads with cherry tomatoes and other fresh veggies.
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