A List of Foods That Boosts Your Mood

When the going gets tough even the tough reach for a cup cake. Instead of making this blog post about comfort food (cakes, cookies, mountains of chocolate, etc.), I decided to blog about foods that boosts your mood. There is a direct correlation between our food and our mood. Being unaware of the importance of eating  proper nutrients to function, could be the reason why a person's mood and attitude goes bonkers. There are actually certain foodsand snacks that  can be eaten to boost mood, combat PMS, and even knockout depression. Because I care about your development and happiness, yes YOU ... here is a super charged A-List of awesome foods that can help you walk on sunshine even on a cold cloudy day.

Research shows that people who eat processed foods have a high level of depression. So be sure to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Consume more Fruits & Vegetables: At least Seven Servings Per Week Research shows that emotional health rises with fruit and vegetable consumption (it's best to buy from the Farmers Market vs the Super Market. When you purchase fruit from farmers it's more likely that you are buying real fruit and not genetically modified items). Also, according to research your mental well being and your fruit consumption is directly related.

Foods rich in Calcium and Vitamin D are a natural mood booster. If you're lactose intolerant be sure to grab a Calcium and Vitamin D supplement to help supply you with the levels your body needs. During a women's period of ovulation her Calcium count is low. Balancing calcium and Vitamin D levels can aid in PMS moodiness.

Salmon: 2 to 3 times a week. Omega 3 Fatty Acids help combat depression. Studies suggest that diets high in Omega 3 polyunsaturated fat may decrease the risk of muscular degeneration as you age and Fish Oil may reduce stress related aggression. Fish also reduces PMS Symptoms.

Sunflower Seeds are rich in selenium which is the ultimate feel better nutrient.

Carbohydrates increase levels of serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for elevating your mood.

Here is a small quick vegetarian recipe to help aid in your mood boosting (vegans remove eggs and yogurt). This recipe is rich in Vitamin B and Omega 3 Fatty Acids 

Flaxseed Falafel Sandwhich 

Vitamin B6 and Omega 3 Fatty Acids

recipe from health.com

Ingredients: 

Flaxseed, 

chickpeas, 

garlic, 

parsley, 

lemons,

cumin, 

coriander,

red pepper, 

breadcrumbs, 

eggs, 

olive 

oil, 

pitas, 

lettuce, 

fat-free yogurt, 

tomatoes, 

cucumber, 

green onions, 

cilantro, 

jalapeno pepper 

More food choices are:

Tofu

Brown Rice, and Chickpeas are both rich in Magnesium, Vitamin B6, & Manganese which aid with PMS, irritability, and depression.

Spinach

Sea Salt (not in high amounts but research shows depression in those deficient of salt)

Folic Acid

Beans are rich in magnesium and helps to regulate serotonin.

Oatmeal

Bananas (Click Here to read about this Xtreme Power Fruit)

Apples

& Almonds

Do you know of any other foods that are mood boosters?

Altering your diet to help relieve everyday stress and anxiety is a great way to take responsibility for your mental, physical, and emotional well being. You don't have to wait until the peak of spring or summer to bloom with an awesome attitude. Start by eating the right foods to boost your mood. 

(Shared from http://ProBoxingFitness.Net)

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Respect Your Body!

For many years, I mistreated my body. I fed it junk and processed foods and for that I paid greatly. I was obese, sluggish and unhappy. I hated my life and the sight of myself. I stayed away from mirrors and I wouldn’t even dare think about stepping on the scale. Depression hit me hard, no matter how nice I dressed or how skilled I was in certain areas of my life; it still didn’t change that fact that I was FAT. I didn’t respect myself. It was not until my uncle, mother, and grandmother all in that order, passed away from heart failure that I decided to make a change.

I’ve tried several times in my life to make a change and while I always exercised; I never altered the way I ate. I just figured as long as I took a 60 minute spin class, that the cheese steak and French fries I had the night before wouldn’t matter. Little did I know, that loving me, meant nourishing myself with wholesome, natural foods from the earth. Once I got that concept, I was off and running. My body finally started to love me back and in turn, weight loss almost became effortless. I felt better, my skin was clearer, I was more upbeat and most importantly, not only did my body love me; I now loved me. I smile now when I look in the mirror. And the scale, bonk the scale; it still doesn’t matter to me because I know that I’m eating the right types of foods and I’m exercising.

My once flabby body is now tight and muscular. I admire my curves and the stretch mark scars that are left from the damage I have done eating the wrong foods over the years. I call them war scars. Why? Because I fought hard to make the necessary changes in my life to eat healthy. I fought hard to respect my body. And when I look at those scars, they are constant reminders of the journey that I have traveled. Loving yourself can be hard work and at times it can be overwhelming. We always focus on our faults rather than what we are good at. I remind myself every day that I am loved by many, including myself. I respect my body and I trust my body therefore I take care of it by nourishing it with the best food possible and in return it treats me well now and hopefully for years to come.

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