It’s true: food, one of the most important and common needs among organisms, affects many aspects of our body, including the chemicals in our brain. Is this much of a surprise to anyone? Probably not, but many forget the importance of diet durring periods of depression, anxiety and stress. Believe it or not, your favorite tub of Chubby Hubby ice cream is not going to keep your mood elevated for long. Incorporationg those foods that do, however, could be easier and more essential than you might think. Here are a couple simple ideas to try as you begin to introduce stress-reducing foods into your diet.

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Health Care Magic warns that filling up on high-carb, sweet treats are going to be your worst enemy when trying to combat stress. The seratonin in the carbohydrates will help with regulating anxiety, but it doesn’t last long (we call those “sugar highs”).  Instead of reaching for your extra-large muffin with that sugary top, heat up a bowl of oatmeal and add cinnamon. The oats will release seratonin much slower than white bread and cinnamon helps with blood sugar regulation. And don’t skip this important meal–the earlier you get your metabolism moving after sleep, the more energy you will have for your day.

Drink plenty of water. Notice how you tend to get a bit cranky when you are thirsty? Keep a bottle of water nearby (in a reusable bottle–reusing plastic water bottles is unhealthy) at all times. Your body is bound to feel better after a few days of increased intake, leading to more regulation in your systems and an elevated mood.

The best news in this entire discussion of mood elevating food would be the benefits of dark chocolate on stress relief. Not milk choccolate, not chocolate chips, but dark chocolate. Eating this delicious treat releases caffeine and theobromine, both of which enhance mood. Eat in moderation, though, as too much chocolate, dark or not, is not good for your gut.

The best part about taking notice of what mood-enhancing foods you put in your body is cooking up new ways to prepare the given foods. Constantly try new recipes, such as the famous Mind Meal. It takes many of the most beneficial mood foods and encorporates them into a three-course meal that is guaranteed to get you feeling good. Not to mention that cooking is a simple pleasure in its own way!

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