Nine Healthy Foods That May Boost Your Mood

Families Together of Orange County’s nutritionist, Roxy, has put together a list of foods that may help ward off the blues! 

Roxanna Muñoz (Roxy) has been a part of the FTOC Wellness team for over 2 years. Her patient-focused, realistic approach to nutritional education has played a key role in her ability to help patients achieve their health goals. Roxy’s methods have also proved that a varied regimen is the best way to support physical and mental health throughout all stages of life.

Roxy says, “Fueling our bodies with nutrient-dense foods will help us reach our potential and feel our best. It is also important to model healthy eating and healthy eating behaviors for our children so that they can develop a lifelong habit of good nutrition as early as possible and flourish physically and emotionally.”

Bad days happen, and while it may be tempting to reach for those fries or scoops of ice cream, high-calorie and high-sugar foods will do more damage than good in the long-run. Instead, try these nine healthy options.

1. Salmon: This great source of Omega-3 fatty acids has the biggest potential to help people with mood disorders. Due to its anti-inflammatory benefits, salmon is great for the brain and nervous system development.
2. Turkey: With various B vitamins like B6, B12, and even zinc, turkey may help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. 
3. Dark Leafy Greens: Eating Vitamin B-rich foods is a wonderful way to boost one’s brainpower. Adequate amounts of Vitamin B help produce energy that leads to a feeling of positive wellbeing.
4. Dark Chocolate: Moderation is key in all nutrition, and while dark chocolate is full of mood-improving compounds, it is still important to consume this treat in moderation! As opposed to its lighter variations, dark chocolate is lower in added sugar and has been known to increase blood flow to the brain.
5. Bananas: The natural sugars of a banana, paired with its fiber, make for a stable release of sugar into the bloodstream. Controlling blood sugar levels can deter feelings of irritability and mood swings.
6. Almonds (nuts): Rich in amino acids, magnesium, fiber, and Vitamin E, almonds may improve the brain’s health and its ability to develop serotonin.
7. Sunflower Seeds (seeds): A great alternative option for those who cannot consume nuts due to nut allergies is opting for sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are a great source of Vitamin E, B6, and magnesium. The presence of Vitamin B in sunflower seeds are proven to improve energy levels by helping convert food to energy throughout the day.