6 Best Foods to Improve Your Mood

Mood can be affected by a number of different factors. You might be in a bad mood because you’ve had a rough day or your body might not feel up to par. Sometimes hormones, lack of sleep, or an over-stressed immune system puts us in a bad mood. Even the food you eat affects your mood. When you eat poorly or overeat, you can feel sluggish and lethargic. Likewise, if you make healthy choices, it can put a spring in your step.

Have you been feeling not quite yourself? Have others noticed your mood swings or do you feel as if your mood is not what it used to be? You can change this by changing what you eat. There are many snacks to improve your mood. Just adding a few of these fun snacks to your day can help you feel better. Mood booster snacks provide our bodies with what they need to function properly. Often, our bad mood is out body telling us it needs something. The next time you feel grumpy or out of sorts, grab anyone of these 6 Best Foods to Improve Your Mood.

6 Best Fodds to Improve Your Mood:

1 – Whole Grains
Feeling grumpy or just in a slump? Toast some whole grain toast or a waffle and add a little peanut butter. Whip up a small cup of oatmeal with cinnamon and almond slivers. The trick is to boost your energy level with complex carbohydrates, or better know as “good carbs”. Not only do these foods help you boost your mood, they reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes. Try our Pumpkin Custard Oatmeal recipe, which is great for fall.

2 – Milk
The next time you are feeling low, grab a glass of low-fat milk. It is rich in vitamins A and B, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphate, protein, riboflavin, and zinc. There is even evidence the protein in milk reduces anxiety. Enjoy a warm cup of Cinnamon Rice Milk and feel your mood improve, one sip at a time.

3 – Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a great snack because they are so convenient. Just fill a baggy and pop them in your mouth as you would candy. They are packed with lycopene, which reduces the inflammation related to depression. Try our Classic Cucumber Salad with Cherry Tomatoes.

4 – Chocolate

Good news! One of the best mood boosting foods is chocolate. Stick with dark chocolate because it is healthier and contains more of the properties that help improve your mood. Try something from our list of low-cal chocolate treats the next time you have a blue mood craving. Better yet, check out this yummy recipe for Slow Cooker Fudge.

5 – Nuts
Walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, almonds… it does not really matter. Just grab a handful and enjoy. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which boost serotonin levels, known for having a strong affect on mood. Studies have also shown nuts can aid in relieving depression, irritability, anxiety, and insomnia. Chocolate Nut Clusters are made with two mood enhancing foods.

6 – Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice, or any type of fresh fruit juice that contains a lot of vitamin C, can give you a mood boost. Vitamin C has been shown to ease depression, irritability, and low energy levels. Just be sure you choose fresh fruit juices and not those that are processed and filled with added sugars. Consider juicing your own oranges for the best juice possible. Our recipe for Orange-Pomegranate Green Tea is delicious with a meal or as a refreshing afternoon drink.

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