Diets high in sugar and processed foods, and low in nutritional value, can play havoc on our moods. They can leave us feeling tired, moody, and agitated. Lucky for us, nature has given us foods that can stabilize our moods and even boost our happiness, and they come in delicious packages!
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a phytonutrient that stops the buildup of pro-inflammatory compounds linked to depression. For a healthy appy at a party, skewer toothpicks with a cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf, and drizzle with olive oil.
Turkey contains tryptophan, which has been linked with an increase in serotonin, the “feel-good hormone”. Add diced turkey to a salad or soup. For a veggie-friendly option, eat asparagus, which is one of the highest plant-based sources of tryptophan.
Bananas are loaded with B vitamins, which are important vitamins to keep you feeling energized. If you are deficient in B vitamins, you may feel more stressed or anxious, so slice some bananas onto you cereal or have one handy at work for an afternoon snack.
Walnuts are a great way to up your magnesium intake, a mineral shown to help fight depression. Sprinkle some on a salad or include them in a trail mix.
Avocados are packed with folic acid, which is great at increasing energy. They also contain healthy fats, both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Diets low in healthy fats can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, so add some avocado to your sandwich, salad, or slice them on to your eggs.
Dark chocolate has been shown to boost happiness! A study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that a few ounces of dark chocolate per day resulted in better mood in their subjects. The trick is to go dark: the higher the cocoa percentage the better.
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