Best Foods to Boost Your Mood

Having effective mood management strategies in place can make all the difference in the way you feel day to day. Much of your brain power is powered by your lifestyle. What you eat, how much you exercise, social connections, sleeping patterns, and your response to stress all impacts how your brain functions and ultimately the state of your mood. It’s easy to underestimate the role that food plays in mood management. While there are many different factors that affect your state of mind, what you put into your body inevitably impacts the way you feel. Here are a few of my favorite mood boosting foods:
Cocoa: It’s a superfood that has the power to lower stress hormones like cortisol and catecholamines. Less stress hormones floating around can make for a better mood. Cocoa also boosts serotonin (a feel good, happy brain chemical). Try making a hot chocolate with unsweetened almond or coconut milk, raw cocoa and a touch of honey or try my Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
Turmeric: This spice demonstrates neuroprotective properties and can enhances mood. Turmeric goes great with cauliflower, beans, lentils, egg and rice.
Bananas: This fruit is full of dopamine. Dopamine is the neurochemical that elicits our sense of reward and causes a sense of well being. Try bananas in your cereal or with your favorite nut butter.
Blackberries: They contain purple pigment called anthocyanin, which, aside from being a heart-healthy antioxidant, is also a mood enhancer. Blackberries are great in oatmeal and salads.
Okay, so to help you out, I’ve pulled all the best brain and mood boosting foods together in my latest meal plan Good Mood Foods! Come on now, empower your brain to function at its best. Eat superfoods, feel super fabulous.
Looking for even more mood strategies? Don’t forget about retreats to wide open spaces, light therapy, fresh air and the power of citrus and mint aromatherapy. Mood management matters!!