The relationship between food and emotions is interesting, and recent research shows that food can reduce stress, ease anxiety and improve overall mental well-being. Feeling down can also impact your eating habits and vice versa, so seeking hearty, warm meals to feel protected naturally is normal. Several winter vegetables and fruits are in season to provide you with minerals and vitamins to get through these chilly days. Below are four top healthy, mood-boosting recipes you should try:
Baked blueberries with nut oats
Blueberry and nut oat bake is not only a terrific make-ahead breakfast, but it also carries a strong nutrient punch that is healthy for the mind. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and folate, which is useful for producing dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, all of which are useful brain chemicals for regulating mood and ensuring balance. Oats are a good source of slow energy, which helps to keep your blood sugar levels and mood stable throughout your day.
Eggs with avocado and black beans
The avocado and black bean eggs recipe is an amazing vegetable breakfast dish that can also be enjoyed as lunch or dinner. Eggs are high in protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. They also contain choline, a vitamin useful for producing mood-regulating brain chemicals. It also strengthens your body’s immune system. Avocados are a healthy and creamy source of fat rich in vitamin B5. These nutrients support the adrenal glands, which house your stress hormone and particularly help during stressful periods. You can set the tone for the day with this nutritious vegetable breakfast of avocado, eggs, and black beans. Fortunately, it takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and enjoy an excellent mood-boost meal.
Chicken
Chicken isn’t only simple to eat but contains nutrients linked to mood. For instance, it contains tryptophan, an amino acid that increases feel-good neurochemicals like serotonin.Chicken nuggets are one of a few easy and quick recipes the entire family will enjoy. You can also prepare chicken breast halves with the seasoning. For great sandwiches, spread them on crusty bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato. You can also try the homemade chicken parmesan recipe.
Wild seaweed salad
A bowl of this stylish salad is a great mood booster for vegetarians and carnivores. Seaweed contains various brain-protecting chemicals, some of which may aid in treating or managing depression. It may also help your immune system fight infections that cause cold sores. Seaweed is also high in iodine, which your body needs to produce thyroid hormones. Another advantage of having seaweed salad is that it has all the vitamins and minerals. You can add brown rice, a type of carbohydrate high in serotonin, which assists in regulating mood. Other elevating components include the omega-3s and flavonoids usually found in lemon. Those are some tasty, pleasant feelings.
Consider making other healthy lifestyle changes to improve your mood for the long term.
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.