Feed Your Feelings

Photo credit: verythingeggs

Is what you’re eating having a negative or positive effect on your emotion? Sometimes, the daily hustle of life and chasing that proverbial “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow could leave a good number of us stressed.

This ultimately affects our mood and cajoles us to turn to what we call “comfort foods” i.e. chocolate and ice cream. These could give instant gratification but ultimately, what goes up must come down, as they also have the tendency to leave one feeling worse in the long run. Below are delicious food suggestions by hellofood.com that you should include in your daily diet to naturally boost your mood and keep emotions in check:

Tuna fish: The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help to enhance mental capacity and boost the mood by increasing serotonin levels.

Chicken/turkey: Contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid which helps to balance out your mood because it releases and boosts your serotonin levels.

Yam: Yam contains a nice amount of magnesium and it is a good source of Vitamin B, which helps to calm you down.

Walnuts/cashews: These also contain Omega-3 fatty acids and they are a rich source of Vitamin B6, which the body needs to produce serotonin.

Spinach: Spinach is a very healthy vegetable which contains folic acid that helps to nourish the brain; and magnesium, which eases anxiety.

Spaghetti: The complex carbohydrates found in spaghetti increase serotonin levels and the body’s endorphins. They also enable tryptophan to enter the brain.

Eggs: Research shows that protein eaten at breakfast will help elevate your mood. It also makes you think and function better.

Remember, every time you eat, you make a choice. So step away from the comfort food and give your mood a real boost. Choose the right food for happy mood.

• Contributed by Nkem Onwudiwe, via Nkem.Onwudiwe@hellofood.com.ng