
Maybe I’m not speaking for every girl when I say this, but when I eat good, I feel good. Usually, this infiltrates into appreciating my body for all that it does and how it looks.
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According to Harvard Health, food directly affects our mood. Which makes total sense when you think of this analogy; your brain is like a car, it needs premium ‘fuel’ to function optimally. Your brain never really switches off. It’s home to your thoughts and movements, your breathing and heartbeat, your feelings and senses — it works bloody hard 24/7, even when you’re asleep. This means our brain requires a constant supply of fuel. And that “fuel” comes from the foods we eat. Ultimately, it’s down to what’s in that food that is going to make a difference to how we feel.
This explains why reaching for highly processed snacks and greasy takeout’s, is not always the best way to tackle our fleeting emotions, eventually making us feel worse. There is also a direct correlation between diets high in refined sugars and impaired brain function, not to mention sugar’s ability to cause mood swings.
Your brain functions best when it’s nourished, allowing you to thrive. It is proven that consuming high-quality foods containing a complex of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, protects the brain from oxidative stress — the “waste” (free radicals) produced when the body uses oxygen, which can damage cells.
Of course, we aren’t saying not to enjoy your favourite chocolate bar, packet of crisps or a big slice of cake on your birthday. Eating foods for the soul is also a way to improve your mental attitude and wellbeing. Restriction will never cause happiness and is not a sustainable approach to your relationship with food. Balance, the 80/20 rule, cheat days, whatever you want to call it, is one of the kindest ways we can treat our mind, body and health – both physically and mentally.
Food is also about memories; about saying yes to social occasions and about living your life to the fullest. Why should you let certain food groups scare, control or affect your happiness?
So, here is our take on the foods that can boost your mood and leave you feeling good from the inside out!
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Nothing beats a refreshing bowl of nature’s candy on a hot summer’s day. Filled with vitamins and perfect for a sweet tooth craving. Try blending your favourite fruits into a smoothie or top with some Greek yogurt and honey. We also recommend switching up your fruits with the season to increase nutrient absorption and excitement!
It’s true, one third of your daily diet should be filled with vegetables. In the UK, we are guilty of not consuming our 5-A-Day. Only 27% of adults (19 to 64 years) and 35% of 65+ year olds achieve the 5-A-Day recommendation. Vegetables are key for fibre, balancing blood sugar levels, providing iron and B vitamins as well as boosting brain function. Iron and B vitamins help us to produce energy, leading to better productivity and positivity. This will allow you to utilise your energy and use it to do the things you enjoy. Mushrooms are high in Vitamin D, a very scarce nutrient to absorb in the U.K. Vitamin D is also found in sunlight, and if sun doesn’t make you happy then what can! Catch us making every dish that contains mushroom until the heatwave hits.
Oats are a form of complex carbohydrates that contain prebiotics, and our gut bacteria loves them! Whole grains are another brilliant source of B Vitamins helping to convert amino acids into serotonin and dopamine; the happy hormones that boost our mood.
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Sweet potatoes contain an abundance of mood boosters including Vitamin B, Vitamin C and fibre. They’re also a cheap and experimental ingredient that can be used in a multitude of recipes and cuisines. If a fresh loaf of bread doesn’t make you happy then we can’t relate. Opt for unprocessed loaves and wholemeal varieties to avoid that bloated feeling.
Nuts are a great snack to pick on while working at home or in the office. They are satisfying and blood sugar regulating, unlike low calorie processed snacks. Also high in protein, nuts contain tyrosine for neurotransmitter production, magnesium, fibre and Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant which wards of free radicals in the brain, improves memory and cognition.
Oily fish is brimming with omega 3’s, which are known to have incredible benefits on the body and mind. Evidence suggests that omega 3 can even fight anxiety and lower depression scores. Due to their role in brain functioning, deficiencies in omega 3 fatty acids were linked to mental health problems in some studies. If you’re a vegan, opt for vegan omega supplements instead.
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Another opportunity to tickle your tastebuds and try something new. Fermented foods such as kefir and sauerkraut have been linked to feelings of happiness due to their probiotic properties. Eating pre and probiotics has been found to decrease anxiety and increase happiness.
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Yes, you heard it, dark chocolate can improve your mood and cognitive function. This is due to it containing Flavonoids; naturally found in fruit, vegetables, tea, and red wine with anti-viral, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and antioxidant benefits. Antioxidants stimulate blood flow and decrease cholesterol. The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology discovered consuming chocolate may help improve your mood, calm and promote contentment. Dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that create feelings of pleasure. Furthermore, dark chocolate contains serotonin, the happy hormone that acts an antidepressant and elevates your mood.
Instead of relying on coffee to get you through the day, why not explore the variety of herbal teas that are out there. Because let’s face it there are SO many it’s almost daunting. If green tea isn’t your thing, why not opt for a relaxing bedtime beverage or a fruity summer berry fusion. There really is a tea for everyone’s taste buds, with no caffeine crash attached. Matcha lattes are a tasty substitute for your usual vanilla latte, leaving you feeling less groggy and more energised for whatever the day throws at you.
A fudgy gooey brownie
A stack of thick fluffy Nutella pancakes
Biscoff straight out the jar
Your favourite gelato on a foreign holiday
A creamy bowl of pasta
An extra cheesy pizza
A warm homemade cookie
A big bowl of mash potato and gravy
A sweet and sugary cocktail
A picnic and rosé in the park
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