Start the year off right with this list of 19 mood-boosting foods that can help to perk up not only your body but your mind too. The nutrients naturally found in these foods can really give you that kick-start you need to live your best life and to help you feel better for longer.
When we feel a little bit down, stressed or overworked it can be easy to turn to our favorite comfort foods to help give us a pick-me-up. I admit that when I have had a tough day I have been known to reach for all the starchy carbs I can get my hands on.
While these foods provide temporary satisfaction to our taste buds, in the long run, they usually end up making us feel more:
- lethargic,
- bloated,
- guilty,
- and probably a lot worse than we felt before.
Processed and fatty foods not only have a negative effect on our minds, but they can also have a negative effect on our bodies too! So next time you’re feeling down in the dumps, try a food or snack that has nutrients proven to improve your mood and that will be kind on your body! Once you get into the habit of reaching for a banana instead of a bag of chips it can become second nature.
And I mean - dark chocolate is one of the foods known to be mood-boosting so it can't be that hard, am I right?
There are even foods that can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The team at Shari’s Berries put together these great visual guides on mood-boosting foods, which includes foods that you can incorporate into every meal of the day. That’s something you can feel good about! I have also included a bunch of recipes including the key ingredients to help get you started.
Mood-Boosting Foods: Fruits and Vegetables
Recipes containing these mood-boosting fruits and veggies:
- Radish Pea and Quinoa Shaved Asparagus Salad;
- Pomegranate, Kale and Coconut Smoothie;
- Quick Kale and Walnut Pesto with Sunflower Seeds;
- 6 Ingredient Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl with Avocado and Pickled Radish;
- Fancy Mushroom and Smashed Avocado Tacos;
- Garlicky Orange Spinach Salad;
- Kid Approved Cacao and Spinach Muffins;
- The Creamiest Banana Cinnamon Roll Smoothie Recipe;
- Freezer Friendly Banana Matcha Waffles.
Mood-Boosting Foods: Protein
Recipes containing these mood-boosting proteins:
- 6 Ingredient Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl with Avocado and Pickled Radish;
- 4 Ingredient Teriyaki Salmon;
- Sundried Tomato and Salmon Alfredo Pasta Bake;
- Salsa Verde Baked Salmon in Foil;
- Turkey and Sweet Potato Chilli;
- Baked Turkey Meatballs with Ricotta;
- Slow Steamed Herby Eggs
Mood-Boosting Foods: Grains and Seeds
Recipes containing mood-boosting grains and seeds:
- Radish Pea and Quinoa Shaved Asparagus Salad;
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Breakfast Quinoa;
- Goat Cheese Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole in the Instant Pot;
- Healthy Cauliflower Soup with Carrot Cumin and Lentils;
- Coconut Chia Breakfast Oat Squares;
- Maple Spiced Chia Overnight Oats;
- Baked Chia Pumpkin Pie Donut;
- Pumpkin Spice Granola;
- Quick Kale and Walnut Pesto with Sunflower Seeds.
Mood-Boosting Food: Snacks and Drinks
Recipes for mood-boosting snacks and drinks:
- Almond Butter Coconut Toast with Chocolate Drizzle;
- Instant Pot Breakfast: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Breakfast Quinoa;
- Turmeric Infused Healthy Hot Chocolate;
- ChocolateDark Chocolate, Matcha Coconut Truffles;
- Energizing Chocolate Matcha Smoothie;
- Light and Creamy Green Tea Salad Dressing;
- Green Tea Chai Spiced Latte;
- Green Tea Seasoned Candied Nuts
Wow, that was a mammoth list. I hope this gives you some inspiration to get some mood-boosting food into that body of yours.
Let me know if you have a favorite recipe containing any of these foods.
Happy Eating
Donna xx
Jason says
Being motivated will aspire you to achieve what you want in life and much needed vision for a better way of living. It also helps you overcome all negativity in your surroundings making you more positive and open in life. Keep your motivation burning! 🙂