Do you sometimes indulge in too many sugary, sweet snacks when feeling stressed, upset and tired? Feeling blue or a bit blah?! Your diet plays a massive role in how you feel.
Unhealthy foods can give you an immediate boost, but soon after resulting in a blood sugar crash leading to irritability… argh!
Here’s 7 foods that have all been shown to help ease stress, improve mood, relieve anxiety & help fight depression. **
Foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Foods such as Chia seeds, walnuts, seeds, Wild Alaskan salmon and other oily fish such as Sardines, Anchovies, Mackerel, flax and chia seeds, Flax seed oil, avocados and some dark green leafy veg.
Dark chocolate 70 % or more, thanks to the antioxidants. Keep to around 30g.
Green Tea- may be due to the mood-boosting nutrients, including L-theanine, an amino acid that helps fight anxiety.
Wholegrains eg. oats, quinoa, wholemeal bread, bulgar, wild rice. They are an important sources of B vitamins, nutrients vital for brain health.
Enrich your diet with Vitamin D rich foods eg, eggs, foods that may be fortified with vitamin D and cheese. Get some sunshine too but don’t forget your sunscreen.
Eat live yoghurt or other foods rich in Probiotics eg sauerkraut, kefir, miso. Emerging research suggests that bacteria in the gut sends and receives signals to the brain. Happy gut, happy mind.
Load up on leafy green vegetables. Spinach and Swiss chard are loaded with magnesium, known to help with anxiety, so eating them is an easy way to get your daily vegetables and boost your brain health, too. More good sources: beans and lentils, almonds and avocados.
Please note, consult your doctor before starting any supplements & probiotics.
* * Small dietary changes can make a big difference in how you feel over time. However, If you have depression or any condition, it's important to seek help from your health care provider.