Boost Your Mood with 8 Nutritious Foods

Some foods are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals that help restore your energy and boost your mood in an instant. Eat more mood boosting foods, and enjoy the health and wellness benefits

Some everyday foods are full of ingredients that help improve health and assist in stabilizing a positive attitude. That is because many foods are rich in ingredients that benefit cellular operations, interactions and production within the body. Common vitamins that have an uplifting effect include the B vitamins as well as vitamins C and D. On top of this, many proteins, good carbs and essential fats also come in at the top of the mood boosting food list.

1. Flaxseeds

Pick up some flaxseeds, ground or whole, for the added benefit of essential fatty acids in your diet. Fatty acids are amongst the most important ingredients for brain health and function. Flaxseeds are rich in Omega 3s, so consider chewing whole flaxseeds or adding ground flaxseeds to salad, smoothies or yogurt for the added benefits.

2. Orange Juice

Orange juice is full of essential vitamins and nutrients to help boost your mood. A glass of orange juice in the morning will help add vitamin C and other vitamins of the B complex, to get a fresh start each day. It also contains the minerals magnesium and potassium to keep the muscles from feeling fatigued. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, which gives you an energy boost. Other sources include broccoli, strawberries, potatoes and papaya.

3. Fishes and Seafood

The unique nutrients in fish and other seafood such as tryptophan help boost the mood by increasing the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a happy chemical created in the brain with the help of tryptophan—thus, it aids the nervous system in helping us feel good. Try increasing the amount of tryptophan you eat by adding salmon, and consider fatty fishes with vitamin D to throw an added bonus into the mix.

4. Low-Fat Dairy

It’s important to get your B-vitamins in order to feel happy and healthy. Studies show that depression can be improved through the intake of essential vitamins of the B-complex. Some of these B vitamins can be found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, which are all rich sources with mood-boosting potential. Go with fortified milk to add some vitamin D to the essential Bs that help aid the cell’s regular operations.

5. Beans and Legumes

For a mood boost, try adding beans or legumes to your diet in order to enjoy the added energy benefits of protein. Selenium is a rare nutrient and it also aids in serotonin production in the brain. Not only do beans and legumes contain these two mood-improving ingredients, some also contain tryptophan to double the bonus of serotonin. Try adding beans to soups and salads for taste and a quick boost in the mood.

6. Eggs

There’s a reason why many recommend a hearty, well-balanced breakfast. That is because many of the lean fats, carbs and proteins fixed at breakfast actually boost your energy level, allowing you to start the day in a brighter mood. Be sure to get your Omega 3s in the morning next to plenty of protein and vitamin D provided by eggs. Both the yolk and the egg white have their benefits, so try adding eggs to your diet for a nutritious start to the day.

7. Lean Meat

Our bodies simply cannot operate without protein to fuel our energy. Lean beef and chicken are great sources of protein and also selenium, which helps promote serotonin production. Try these lean meats not just for the protein, but the added bonus of a satisfying boost of serotonin in the brain.

8. Whole Wheat

Good carbs are actually the source of most of our energy. Some of the best carbs can be obtained simply by switching to “whole wheat.” We need these types of reactions to keep us going, so try adding good carbs to your diet to improve your mood. Carbs are often considered “comfort food” as they leave us with a feel-good attitude in the aftermath. Oatmeal, sweet potatoes, popcorn and bananas are all great sources of “good” carbohydrates.