Do you notice how you feel after you eat?
Throughout the day, you probably go through several moods, and your mood depends a lot upon what you eat. You may even use food to change your mood. When you’re feeling tired, stressed or just plain down, do you reach for a sugary pick-me-up? That may boost your mood for the moment, but you’ll soon crash and need another burst of the sweet stuff.
What can you do instead? It’s a good idea to eat foods that keep your mood steady so that you’re not cycling through highs and lows throughout the day. You’re more productive this way, and you end up with more time to spend with your family or doing your favorite activities.
Here’s a quick list of what to eat if you want more energy and a happier overall outlook –
- Fiber keeps your mood stable by maintaining your blood sugar levels. It’s also slow to digest, so it keeps you feeling fuller longer. Add some oats, beans, brown rice and vegetables to your meals.
- Protein will also help you avoid blood sugar crashes. When you pair protein and fiber together at your meal, they work together to slow your digestion and keep you feeling stable. Fish, eggs, lean meats, seeds, nuts and nut butters are all good choices.
- Omega-3s are essential fatty acids found in cold-water fish such as salmon. They’re also found in walnuts and flax seeds. These healthy choices are heart-healthy, and they’ve been shows to help people feel better.
- B vitamins are necessary for the production of brain chemicals that regulate your mood. Get your Bs from leafy greens, eggs, low-fat yogurt and shellfish.
- A little bit of dark chocolate goes a long way toward boosting your mood. Reach for the good stuff instead of the sugar-filled milk varieties.
A few small changes to what you eat can make a big difference in how you feel. Be your happiest you. Let us know what works for you.
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