No matter what challenges your day brings in, it is hard to be in a good mood when you are feeling hungry or if your body is lacking essential nutrients.
Did you know that eating certain foods really help lift your spirits and keep your bad moods at bay? Yes, you read that right. A change in your diet can bring about changes in your brain structure, chemistry as well as physiology, which lead to changes in behaviour!
How to boost your mood with food? Here you go:
1. Bananas
Bananas are one of the best foods that can supply energy to your body. Rich in potassium and B vitamins, bananas will help slow down digestion, making you feel full and keep your blood sugar levels stable. Bananas also contain vitamins A, B6 and C, fibre, potassium, phosphorous, iron and carbohydrate. The carbohydrates and vitamin B6 helps to boost your mood, reduces anxiety and also aids sleep.
2. Water
Water is an extremely important element for our bodies to function properly. Try starting the day with a mug of freshly boiled water and a slice of lemon. Also, drink plenty of water, possibly 1-2L a day. When we're dehydrated, it can really affect our ability to concentrate.
3. Coconut
Coconut contains beneficial oils that provide a nutritious source of energy. It primarily consists of medium chain triglycerides, a type of fat that is turned into energy quickly and efficiently. Also, the coconut will prevent you from feeling lethargic throughout the day as it is utilized by the body to actually produce energy rather than store it as fat.
4. Fruits
Thanks to the minerals, vitamins and micronutrients in fruits, it is found to lower the risk of depression. It can also boost your mood and satisfy your sweet tooth. Try to include fresh fruits in your daily diet for health and happiness.
5. Spinach
Spinach, rich in Vitamin B, is found to alleviate depression. Studies show that serotonin production can actually be hindered by low Vitamin B levels. Important B vitamins to look out for include folate, vitamins B3, B6 and B12. The perfect natural solution for this is to include leafy green vegetables such as spinach or broccoli in your regular diet.