We all know that eating the food we love makes us feel good, but why? Research has found that food and mood are intricately connected. Here’s just a few delicious mood boosting foods that can help contribute to a happy, healthy lifestyle.
The food we eat can affect the way we feel. Just like eating well can help improve your physical well-being, it can also improve your mental well-being. For example, Mind found that simple dietary changes can ‘improve your mood, boost your energy and help you think more clearly’. But what is the science behind it?
Food can alter your brain chemistry. Everyday food that you may have lying around at home like fruit, nuts and seeds can increase serotonin levels, help regulate emotions and boost your mood.
Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals can also have an affect on our mood. This includes omega-3, calcium, vitamin D and more. A lot of these nutrients can be found in healthy foods or the likes of Mediterranean and vegan diets. Therefore, ensuring that you eat a well-balanced, vibrant, nutrient rich diet can leave you feeling good!
Bell peppers are not only vibrant, tasty and nutritious, but can also help boost your mood thanks to being rich in both Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Better yet, these low cost, versatile veggies can be enjoyed in a number of different ways. They can be eaten raw, chucked in a stir-fry or stuffed with a gorgeous filling so that you get your money’s worth!
It’s no surprise that chocolate makes us happy, but did you know that there’s a scientific reason behind it? Dark chocolate releases endorphins which causes a feeling of pleasure. Therefore, when you eat chocolate and feel good, it’s not just because you love the taste, but because it causes a chemical reaction in the brain.
In the mood for chocolatey goodness? Try our Double Cocoa Chocolish Bar!
Leafy greens like spinach, kale and lettuce are packed with mood boosting vitamins and minerals. They are also high in fibre which has a huge range of health benefits! Eating good, also makes you feel good, so it’s important to get your greens into your diet! They are a super cheap way to bulk up any breakfast, lunch or dinner, such as in a smoothie, side salad or sandwich filling.
Watermelon is often a go to summer snack because it’s so refreshing. It has a high water content of 92% which can help you stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated is one of the many ways to improve your mood as it helps boost concentration and improve clarity. Other hydrating, low-cost foods include tomatoes, celery and cucumber.
Most fermented foods are probiotics which means that they are great for your gut health. Some studies have found that probiotics can also improve your mental well-being which has become known as ‘psychobiotics’. Some examples of fermented foods include kimchi, sauerkraut and miso, which can be made in bulk and stored for long-periods of time to create multiple meals.
Food is just one way you can naturally boost your mood. However, there are other free things you can do to improve your well-being like going outside, exercising, socialising, meditating and getting a good night’s sleep. All of these natural ways of boosting your mood are small lifestyle changes you can make to leave you feeling good!
Left you feeling peckish? Then pick up a nākd. raw bar today. Or if you want to read more blogs on vegan food then checkout our articles on Hearty Vegan Winter Meals and Dairy-Free Snack Ideas.
