The key to eating to improve our mood is to boost our brain chemicals – specifically serotonin and dopamine – with natural “feel good” foods.
Serotonin is biochemically derived from tryptophan, and is our largest contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness, while dopamine is a “reward” chemical that our brain releases in response to pleasurable experiences, such as eating or sex.
While this is important all year round, it becomes even more so as you enter the winter months, where your vitamin D from natural sunlight is reduced. If you live in parts of the world with extended periods of darkness, prioritising your nutrition is key to preventing conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Here’s how to boost your mood the natural way:
Eat Oily Fish
Oily fish are great sources of omega 3s – essential fatty acids that our bodies don’t produce their own. Omega 3s positively alter our serotonin and dopamine levels, which helps to improve mood, cognition and some behavioural disorders. Aim to eat two to three serves of oily fish per week. Great choices are salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel and trout.
Snack On Walnuts
Walnuts are particularly high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a vegetable form of omega 3. This is essential for vegetarians and vegans and non-fish eaters alike. Other ALA packed foods are seeds – add flaxseeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds to salads, smoothies and stir-frys too!
Eat Your Greens
Leafy greens in particular are rich in the B vitamin, folate. Folate helps to produce neurotransmitters that regulate our mood, and in particular, serotonin. High blood folate levels have been linked with low depressive symptoms, so add some broccoli, spinach or Brussel sprouts to your plate today.
Add Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is one of the best natural sources of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates promote the production of serotonin, our number one feel-good brain chemical. Add a small palm-sized serve to your next post-exercise meal to improve you mood and accelerate your recovery from training. Aim to eat within the 30-minute window post-exercise to ensure you maximize the benefits of your refuelling nutrition.
Throw a Banana In Your Training Bag
Bananas are packed full of potassium, vitamins B6, A, and C and natural carbohydrates. Vitamin B6 helps convert tryptophan into mood-lifting serotonin and carbohydrates also aid in the absorption of tryptophan in the brain. As bananas offer a quick boost of energy, these are a perfect post-exercise snack. Pack one in your training bag so you don’t miss the “window”.
Treat Yourself to Dark Chocolate
The great news is that chocolate contains our mood-boosting compounds, theobromine and phenylethylamine. Studies have shown that the added antioxidants in dark chocolate help to reduce our stress hormone cortisol, especially in people with increased levels of anxiety. To avoid the sugar, opt for brands such as Pana Chocolate, Loving Earth and such raw variety to limit your intake to once or twice or week.
Mood-boosting Shopping List
Oily Fish
Walnuts
Leafy Greens
Sweet Potato
Banana
Dark Chocolate
What food makes you the happiest and instantly boosts your mood?
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