Food For Mood: How To Improve Your Mood With Diet

How can food affect mood?

The brain produces chemicals called neurotransmitters which are made out of nutrients from food. An amino acid called tryptophan found in protein-rich foods like lean meat, milk and eggs is a component of a soothing neurotransmitter called serotonin. It is needed for normal sleep and keeping calm.

Sometimes knowing what food is good for us can be very confusing. Evidence suggests that what we eat may affect both, our physical health and the way we feel. Choosing right food may help to:

• give you more energy

• improve your mood

Eating regularly and choosing right food that release energy slowly will keep sugar levels steady, so try to include in your diet slow-release energy food like brown rice, wholegrain pasta and cereals, seeds and nuts.

Foods rich in B vitamins, such as fish, green vegetables and brown rice are good for healthy nervous system. Deficiency in one of several B vitamins can cause a change in mood. Vegetarians and vegans are prone to both thiamine and vitamin B 12 deficiency so they may need to boost their intake of this vitamins by eating foods that have been fortified with B 12 vitamin or by taking regular supplements.

What are the best foods for a good mood?

• Protein like fish, lean meat, eggs, cheese, peas, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds

• Healthy fats from oily fish, olive oil, seeds and nuts, avocados, pumpkin oil

• Vegetables and fruits, eat variety of different coloured ones, at least 5 a day

• Reduce consuming stimulants like coffee, tea or cola which will give you a quick burst of energy however, potentially making you feel anxious afterwards.

To find out more about how to use food to improve your mood and have a better sleep feel free to get in touch with me today.