8 Foods that Improve Your Mood
September 9, 2011
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Le Cordon Bleu
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8 Foods that Improve Your Mood
When it comes to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle there is no truer statement than “you are what you eat.” Food not only provides us with fuel for energy but plays an enormous role in mood regulation. If you find yourself irritable and cranky every afternoon it might be more than just your job getting you down. There are many culinary programs available that can help teach you how to prepare healthy nutritious meals that can keep you energized and in a good mood all day long.
Oatmeal
When it comes to eating for mood breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. Eating processed sugary foods in the morning might feel good in the moment but you are setting yourself up for a major blood sugar crash just a short time later. Oatmeal is one of the best sources of soluble fiber and it has healthy carbohydrates so you will have plenty of energy that will stay with you throughout the morning.
Salmon
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids salmon is a well documented mood regulator. Psychiatrists have made remarkable progress in treating depression with the nutrients found in salmon. Not only is it good for your heart and helps ward off cancer it could really give your mood a boost as well.
Spinach
Spinach is a good source of vitamin B folate. B vitamins encourage increased serotonin levels that regulate mood and a link has been found between folate deficiency and depression.
Dark Chocolate
Not only do you get the initial burst of pleasure from the taste but chocolate releases endorphins and increases serotonin levels as well.
Turkey
Turkey is full of tryptophan, a nutrient only found in certain foods that our body uses to increase levels of the mood regulators serotonin and melatonin.
Beans
Beans are rich in fiber and protein to keep your blood sugar on an even keel plus iron for extended energy to keep you feeling better all day long.
Soy
Soy is another great source of tryptophan as well as a complex carbohydrate to keep your mood level throughout the day. Soybeans also contain essential B vitamins that help ward off depression.
Vitamin D enriched milks
Especially helpful in treating season affective disorder, vitamin D increases serotonin levels in the brain.
Almonds
Almonds contain phenylalanine this chemical supports cognitive function as well as stimulates the production of dopamine and endorphins two mood stabilizing hormones. Almonds also help regulate appetite and are a good source of protein. Adding just a handful to your diet everyday can lead to significant improvement in your overall well being.
Bananas
Rich in potassium and tryptophan, bananas have been shown to decrease symptoms of depression especially in women. Bananas are also a good source of iron giving you the energy you need to make it through a busy day.
While feeling tired and irritable makes us want to reach for a bag of chips or cookies we would do much better to stick to healthy, nutrient rich foods instead. By eating small amounts of these mood boosting foods every 4-5 hours you will not only stave off those feelings of irritability you will also have the energy to go the distance no matter what arrives. If you are interested in enrolling in a culinary program and learning more about healthy eating Le Cordon Bleu Institute offers a wide variety of fun and exciting courses for you to explore.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu. Le Cordon Bleu offers culinary, pâtisserie and baking, and hospitality and restaurant management training programs across the United States. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu for more information.
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