We all experience situations that can throw our attitudes for a loop. Sometimes we can pop back from disappointments without much trouble. On other days, the gloom lingers like a thick fog over our heads and we desperately wish for it all to clear—if we only knew how to hurry it along. So, what is your go-to coping method when you’re feeling down in the dumps?
Some people find exercise to be helpful. Others confide in their besties with the hope of receiving comforting words to lift their spirits. But did you know that certain foods can actually help boost your bummed-out mood for the better? It’s encouraging to know that we can get some emo. assistance from nutrients in foods that God created and intended for us to eat.
Of course, when I started researching this topic, I was crossing my fingers, with hopes that chocolate—from the cacao seed—would be on the list. And as it turns out, dark chocolate is there (in moderation, of course)!
But if you’re not a chocolate fan or your tastes crave more savory items than sweet ones, we’ve got you covered!
Good-for-you foods
Here’s a list of healthy foods (and beverages) to help your mood! Stock up on them at your house so you’ll be prepared for the next time your attitude needs an adjustment for the better.
- Nuts – loaded with antioxidants, helpful in combatting disease
- Whole Grains – a great source of carbs, fiber, and iron
- Fish — a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredibly important for your body and brain.
- Fruit – improves blood sugar levels, making them better to consume than other sugars
- Vegetables — can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Dark chocolate! — packed full of important minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus which support immunity, help keep your bones and teeth healthy (phosphorus), and contribute to better sleep quality (magnesium). The bioactive compounds in cocoa may also improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.
- Coffee — Coffee drinkers are less likely to die from some of the leading causes of death. For women, this means less chance of dying from coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease.
- Other beverages — chai tea, yogurt smoothies, chamomile tea, tart cherry juice
- Another interesting point is that drinking water can also be helpful in regulating our moods since dehydration has been known to drag people down emotionally.
So, next time you’re feeling down and out, you may want to give yourself a natural [foods] boost and receive the added benefits of healthy nutrients.