Foods to feed the mood

Did you know that what you eat can affect how you feel? Did you know your nutrition or lack of it has the ability to make you in a bad mood? The foods you eat have the ability to make you feel better or worse. So, it is up to you to eat the foods that will help you feel better on a day-to-day basis.

1. Consider the foods you are eating, and their effect on your blood sugar. If you can keep your blood sugar steady, your body will run more smoothly, and you will feel good and feel more energetic. On the other hand if you eat foods that make your blood sugar spike and drop, then you will feel like crap. Hitting highs and lows will make you feel uncomfortable not just because of the lag in energy that it creates, but also because the gastrointestinal system will be stressed, and can lead to constipation, etc.  When eating carbohydrates choose complex carbs so that they break down slower and give your body a chance to digest them and keep blood sugar levels even. If you struggle with keeping your blood sugar even, consider eating 5-6 small meals a day so that you regularly get fuel for your body, and do not have long periods of time between meals.

2. Consider how you feel and act when you are under the weather? If you constantly eat foods that decrease your health, rather than improve it, you are going to feel grumpy. So, choose foods that keep your body healthy and disease-free. Fresh foods and lean meats, a good variety of all of the foods groups, and a focus on eliminating foods that are high in sugars or fats can help your overall health be better, and as a result your moods will improve as well. Be sure to get as many servings of fresh fruits and vegetables as you can in a day. Uncooked will be better than cooked for your health and your mood.

3. Eat carbohydrates. Carbohydrates will give you a mood boost if you really need one because they produce serotonin. If you eat carbohydrates without proteins, For example, the levels of feel-good hormones such as serotonin will increase, and the other nutrients in the food will also go through your body and give you a surge of feeling good. This is one of the reasons people instinctively turn to certain types of foods when they are down. Just be sure you choose carbohydrates that are not loaded with sugars or salts. Choose whole grains, and other healthier options.

4. Choose high in fiber low in fat foods. Fiber has a million benefits for your body, in addition to keeping you regular, it can improve heart health, and boost moods. So, choose foods that are low in fat, but that offer you plenty of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, as your body needs both types.

5. Choose foods rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid. These two vitamins help to prevent disorders in the central nervous system, mood disorders and dementia. So you are bound to feel better when you eat salmon with steamed veggies, or a lovely salad with check breast, or something similar. 

Choose to eat lots of beans and greens, as well as poultry and fish, as these are feel good foods that boost the body's health and the mood.