Certain foods and nutrients help your brain to make chemicals that can impact your mood, attention, and focus. Indulge in these healthy options to improve energy levels, promote calmness, and even boost memory and cognitive function.
GOOD FOOD, GOOD MOOD!
Getting your 5 a day
Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Not only does their consumption do good to our body's metabolism, but also have been linked to higher levels of happiness! Try to include a variety of fruits and vegetables of different color in your diets every day to get a wide variety of nutrients.
Salmon
High in Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps to stabilize moods and improve memory and focus.
Complex Carbohydrates
Healthier sources of carbohydrates include whole grains, legumes, oats as they provide dietary fiber that can stabilize your blood sugar levels and boost your mood. Complex carbohydrates not only can help you feel fuller for longer but are also an important source of calcium and B vitamins.
Dark Chocolate
This sweet treat has a positive effect on mood by increasing pleasant feelings and reducing tension as chocolate contains psychoactive chemicals that stimulate the brain and result in good mood. Remember to go for dark chocolate and consume it in moderation.
RECIPE: DARK CHOCOLATE FIG OATMEAL BITES
Prep Time |
Cook Time |
Total Time |
Serving |
Calories |
5 min |
5 min |
10 min |
12 |
250kcal |
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup chopped dark chocolate
- 1 ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup flaxseed meal
- 2 tbsp of cacao powder
- 6 medium medjool dates, pitted
- 1tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions:
-
In a large bowl, mix the oats, cacao powder, chocolate chips and flaxseeds.
-
Add the vanilla extract and dates then blend until the mixture is well combined and starts to ball together (add a tbsp of water if needed).
-
Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Keep in air-tight container for up to 10 days. Enjoy !
SOURCES
- American Heart Association. Food and Mood
- The Association of UK Dietitians. Food and mood: Food Fact Sheet
- NHS. 8 Tips for Healthy Eating