As I write this, on a chilly morning, I look outside the window at the most beautiful coloured trees, in all shades of red, orange and yellow. It’s raining heavily and the sky is deep grey.
Hello Autumn!
Winter blues
Now that the sun isn’t shining as bright as it has been the previous months, it is possible that you can start to feel a little gloomy. No more picnics in the park or late night swims in a still warm lake…
While lots of people feel a little melancholic during the first grey and rainy days of Autumn, some people also suffer from a severe case of the ‘winter blues’. It is estimated that about 20% of Westerners experience the ‘winter blues’.
Whether you feel sad because of the falling leaves or because of a different reason, there’s food that helps you to feel better!
10 good mood foods
1. Amaranth
Amaranth is a delicious ‘ancient grain’, loaded with antioxidants, minerals, fibre and iron, and was considered a life-sustaining food of the ancient Aztec and Inca cultures.
2. Bananas
They’re high in B6 and tryptophan and therefore help to overcome or avoid a mild depression.
3. Basil
Add a little to your dishes, it brightens your mood!
4. Hemp oil
Contains a lot of omega 3, 6 and 9, which is good for your memory, and also for your mood.
5. Brazil nuts
If you get irritated easily, add more brazil nuts to your diet. They’re high in selenium, which helps you to stay calm and grounded.
6. Spinach
A folic acid deficiency is linked to anxiety and depression. Try some spinach in your smoothies, salads or cooked meals – it’s high in folic acid!
7. Ginger
It gives you more energy and warms you up.
8. Avocado
The combination of essential fatty acids, vitamin C and B6 makes you more optimistic and bright.
9. Lemon balm
It fights fatigue. You can use the fresh leaves, but the essential oil is great as well.
10. Broccoli
Contains high doses of magnesium, B1, B3, B5 and B6 – all great ‘mood-improvers’.
Bonus:
Raw chocolate contains ‘love-chemicals’ and will surely help you to feel good!
Irina
