Now that we’re in the throes of winter, the weather is gloomy and cold, and the days are still short. With dark mornings and dark nights (and all that rain, wind, frost, and snow!), it can be really tough to pull ourselves out of a winter funk and find the motivation to work out.
Luckily, there are some really tasty foods out there that can boost your mood! It’s said that around 95% of serotonin (the feel good hormone) is made in the stomach, so what you eat can have a big impact on your mood. In today’s blog, we’re taking you through 6 foods that can boost your mood this winter.
Chia seeds have been seriously having a moment in recent years, rising in popularity as a replacement for egg, to make puddings and smoothies, and to bake into breads and cakes.
These seeds are an excellent source of magnesium for your body, which can help ease stress and anxiety. Plus they contain omega-3 fatty acids, iron, protein, calcium, and fibre.
Did you know that turkey can increase your serotonin levels? Well it can! Turkey contains tryptophan which helps you create serotonin and reduce irritability and low mood. It also contains zinc and zinc deficiencies can cause anxiety and depression.
Eggs are excellent for lifting your mood. They’re packed full of choline which helps your nervous system and the production of neurotransmitters. Also, they produce selenium, an antioxidant. They give you protein, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D.
Whether you boil them and put them in a salad or fry them and eat them as part of your breakfast or lunch, it’s really easy to get eggs into your weekly meal plan.
Sweet potatoes are well known and loved for being really versatile. You can put them in curries, make them into chips, steam them, bake them and even put them into smoothies and baked goods.
They give you lots of fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin B 6 and other B vitamins, all of which can lift your mood and support essential bodily functions.
It’s no secret that avocados are healthy. But they’re also good for your mind! On top of the fibre, Vitamin E, C, and B6 that avocados are known to contain, you’ll also find Vitamin B5 in this fruit, which supports your neurotransmitters and adrenal glands.
Lentils are really good for your body and mind, and the good news is that they’re so easy to incorporate into your diet. You can put them into curries, stews, and salads – this recipe for tarka dhal will give you some inspiration.
Lentils provide your body with folate, which is a B vitamin that helps your nervous system. This, along with the Vitamin B6 which is also found in lentils, can help to give your mood a boost.
We know just how much fitness and nutrition fall hand in hand. For more fitness tips, take a look around our blog page.
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