If you are moody in winter or maybe just feel depressed, it might be due to the changing season. These Seasonal disorders begin to worsen around the fall and are at its peak during winters. You may feel the blues even because of hormonal changes and can have various other reasons too. A small change in your diet is all you need to feel energetic and happy throughout the blues. Beat the blues by stocking up on the following foods:
BERRIES
Stock up your fruit basket with blueberries, strawberries and rasberries. These berries are helpful in preventing the release of cortisol. Cortisol is basically a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It is responsible for inducing stress and by preventing its release, you prevent stress and depression. Always keep berries handy to combat stress when it hits you. Besides, they are delicious and can make a great healthy snack.
SALMON
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fats that are not produced by the body, but is needed for a healthy you. Since body cannot produce it, it is necessary you have it externally through supplements or natural foods. Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids; it affects the brain chemicals that are linked with stabilising mood and just one serving can be beneficial for relieving the blues.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolates are a popular mood boosting foods. They elevate your mood and make you happy. They are great for PMS too. Since chocolates are rich in anti-oxidants, it helps you beat the blues and improve your mood. Do not simply gulp down the chocolate, taste it slowly and enjoy its flavour. Indulge in every bite and have small portions.
EGGS
In winter, we make less vitamin D, which is essential to keep you energetic and your mood lifted. Since our body cannot make it in winter, we can have mood swings so make sure you consume foods that are rich in vitamin D. Egg yolk is abundant in vitamin D also called as sunshine vitamin. Have boiled or scrambled eggs to keep your moods elevated.
CITRUS FRUITS
Citrus fruits are high in foliate which is a vitamin needed to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a feel-good brain chemical that keeps your moods lifted and makes you happy. Have citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons etc. juice them up or add them in smoothies. You may also make fruit flavoured lemonade! Lemonade recipes here >>
SAFFRON
Saffron is an expensive aromatic spice. It is usually used in Indian dishes to enhance the favour and also to give it a good colour. Saffron has anti-depressant effects that keeps you from feeling sad or tensed and it also makes the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin more available to the brain.