Even though the days are still dark & the nights are still long, these mood-boosting foods will help you to keep your energy high and your mood lifted. Combine them with these other mood-boosting foods and you are ready to beat those winter blues!
Super Food Seeds
Super Food Seeds such as chia, flax, hemp and psyllium all contain very high doses of omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are true ‘mood boosters’, because they considerably increase the amount of serotonin – the ‘happy hormone’ – your brain produces on a daily basis. By optimizing your intake of omega-3 fats, you will burn fat faster and feel better in your skin. Prepare yourself a large bowl of creamy chia pudding, add a tablespoon of hemp to your favorite smoothie or shake, or enjoy a flax cracker with your daily salad or zucchini pasta.
Seaweed & Algae
Seaweed and algae such as nori, kelp, dulse and chlorella are all particularly rich in iodine and selenium. These essential nutrients will balance your thyroid hormones, speed your metabolism and boost your energy & mood. Seaweed and algae also contain high amounts of magnesium and zinc. Both minerals have a very calming effect on the body and the brain. They will counteract mood swings and reduce feelings of anxiety. Add a teaspoon of chlorella to your breakfast green smoothie, sprinkle some dulse flakes onto your daily salad or treat yourself with two big rolls of raw vegan sushi.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods such as raw sauerkraut, unpasteurized miso and umeboshi plums are great sources of essential B vitamins and immune boosting probiotics. They will remove heavy metals from your body and heal your gut by increasing the level of good bacteria in your intestines. Did you know that your gut is often called your ‘second brain’ because it produces even more serotonin than your brain itself? If you are experiencing digestive issues or dealing with mood swings, fermented foods might just do the trick. Just make sure you don’t rush into it, because fermented foods have very strong detoxifying properties.
What are your favorite mood-boosting snacks or dishes to beat the winter blues? Leave a comment down below.
