The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get omega-3s in your diet, and if fatty fish just isn’t your thing, some great plant-based options include: They play a key role in brain health and some research has found that not getting enough may have a negative effect on mood. The thing about these fatty acids is that the body cannot produce them on its own - we rely on food to get enough. Thanks to the rich omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon makes a tasty mood-boosting food.
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Plus, research has found that an antioxidant-rich diet may have a positive effect on both mood and cognitive function (yes, please!) #5 Salmon They sweeten up that bowl of oatmeal in the AM, make a delicious antioxidant-rich smoothie, or even make a tasty snack. RELATED: The Best Foods For a Healthier Gut According to an RD #4 Blueberriesīlueberries are a delicious “mood food” that happens to be one of nature’s sweetest treats. Unsweetened yogurt (or kefir if you can tolerate a bit of a tangier flavor) are great sources of gut-loving probiotics, so consider these “mood foods” for your healthy and balanced diet. Not only does it make an easy snack, but gut-supporting foods rich in probiotics may also help support a happier mood too - how? The gut-brain connection! Some research has suggested that the bacteria in the gut may not only play a role in digestion but our mood and overall energy too. So if you’re looking for a mood-boosting food that’s super easy to include in your diet, look no further than plain old unsweetened yogurt - need it dairy-free? Try coconut or almond yogurt. Not only does unsweetened yogurt make one of the most convenient snacks, but it can be added to smoothies for added creaminess, or made into a healthy yogurt parfait with some nuts and seeds and raw cacao nibs to satisfy a sweet tooth craving. Tryptophan has been found to have a positive effect on overall mood, making these nuts and seeds an excellent addition to a well-balanced mood-boosting diet. Nuts and seeds, particularly peanuts, pumpkin, and sesame seeds, are rich in tryptophan, an important amino acid that plays a key role in the production of serotonin (the commonly known mood-supporting neurotransmitter).
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#PSST CHOCOLATE CHIPS FULL#
Need a new healthy snack that doubles as a delicious mood-boosting food? Make a batch of homemade trail mix (recipe below) to stay full and nourished when snacking on the go. Some studies have suggested that the flavonoids found in cocoa contain both cognitive and mood-supporting properties (heck, yes!) So go ahead and sprinkle some raw cacao nibs over your morning bowl of oatmeal, on top of an acai bowl, or enjoy mixed into homemade granola. RELATED: Mood-Boosting Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Smoothie 10 Mood-Boosting Foods That Actually Taste Delicious #1 Raw CacaoĬhocolate fans rejoice - raw cacao (very different from those sweetened chocolate bars) has some pretty darn impressive properties. We’re sharing our top mood food picks that aren’t just healthy and delicious, but research suggests they may, in fact, play a role in our overall mood as well. Between busy schedules, and all the stressors going on in our day-to-day lives, there is a ton we can do to brighten our spirits and put that pep back in our step. If you’re feeling a little more irritable than usual lately, you’re not alone.