8 Mood Boosting Foods To Brighten Your Day

06.09.24 02:53 PM - By Motion Connected

Ever had one of those days where you just want to curl up with a tub of ice cream to soothe your troubles? We've all been there. As tempting as those indulgences may be, sugary and salty comfort foods provide only temporary relief from stress.

To really make a positive difference in your mood and wellbeing for the long-term, you might consider reaching for a more wholesome snack the next time you’re feeling down.

Growing evidence supports a direct correlation between a healthy eating pattern and the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Foods like whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and lean proteins are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that help stabilize your mood and energy levels. These same foods are also associated with improvements in anxiety and depressive disorders. Whereas a poor quality diet, made up mostly of foods high in added sugars, fat, and sodium, has been shown to increase feelings of anxiety and depression.

While it’s more than okay to indulge in your favorite foods occasionally, centering the majority of your meals around nutritious options is key for optimal brain and body function. Fortunately, there are many foods that are rich in nutrients, each offering unique benefits. Take a look at a few of the advantages of 8 mood-boosting foods below.

Strawberries:

Juicy and sweet, strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which helps your immune system stay strong and may also help with feeling less stressed and anxious.

Sweet Potatoes:

These tasty spuds are full of good stuff like fiber for steady energy and vitamins A and C.

Walnuts:

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts contain fats which are great for your brain and are linked to better mood and clarity.

Beets:

These colorful veggies are full of nutrients like folate and magnesium, which are important for supporting brain function. They can also help regulate blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure.

Spinach:

Popeye was onto something! Spinach is rich in iron and folate, which help your brain make mood-regulating chemicals.

Salmon:

Fatty fish like salmon are packed with omega-3s, which are excellent for the brain.

Pumpkin Seeds:

These tiny seeds are loaded with magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants which together may help reduce stress.

Bananas:

Vitamin B6, natural sugars, and fiber help keep your mood stable by supporting the production of serotonin.