Improve Your Mood With Food!

Feeling tired and fatigued? Your body needs energy. You get energy from glucose, which comes from carbohydrates like fresh fruits and whole grains. When you’re stressed, the body needs to build up its immune system by eating foods that contain vitamin C and vitamin E. Feeling depressed? Eating healthy carbohydrates that monitor cortisol (the stress hormone) and serotonin levels is a great way to boost your spirits. Eating healthy vitamin-packed foods lowers stress levels, reduces migraines, and puts you in a better mood. Many times food can also be the cause of depression, low energy, fatigue. Lots of food can bring you down, so here are some nutritious foods that will help bring your mood back up!

Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, which boosts your immune system. They are very common and easy to snack on throughout the day. Pistachios and walnuts will help with stress because of their ability to lower blood pressure. A handful is all you need. Learn more about nuts here.

Vitamin C is an important vitamin not only to battle colds, but also to reduce symptoms of stress, lower blood pressure, and help manage cortisol. Oranges are what comes to mind when you think of vitamin C, but papaya and pineapple are also packed with it and are just as sweet! Blueberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C as well as antioxidants. Fresh or frozen blueberries will do the trick.

Avocados are high in good fat and potassium, which are excellent at for overcoming hypertension caused by stress and anxiety. They also support your brain in utilizing serotonin, a hormone that relieves stress, wards off depression, treats insomnia, and reduces the frequency of headaches. Spinach is another green source that is rich in magnesium which reduces stress levels and keeps you calm and relaxed.

Craving carbs are a natural side effect of stress. Your body needs carbohydrates for energy and to produce serotonin. Many people however, choose the wrong types of carbs that are typically drenched in sugar. Oatmeal is a great substitute and can be mixed with cinnamon, almond milk, and some fresh berries to provide a soothing comfort food. Because whole grains take longer to digest, you won’t experience a spike in your blood sugar. Learn more about whole grains here.