It’s that time of year again. The foliage may be beautiful, but the days are getting shorter and outdoor activities are beginning to dwindle down. Although this time of year is beautiful, it can lead to mild depression for outdoor lovers who don’t appreciate the fading sunlight and short daytime hours. Thankfully, there are certain foods that can help boost your mood and leave you feeling perky and ready to face the fall and winter months.
Spinach
Okay, it may not the tastiest food on earth, but it certainly helps boost your mood. Spinach is packed with the B vitamin folate. Research has shown that those who are depressed often have low levels of the B vitamin folate. What does that mean? Eat your spinach to avoid feeling down in the dumps!
Chocolate
Yes, this one is way better than spinach and can now give even the healthiest person an excuse to eat some good ‘ol chocolate! No, really, chocolate has been shown to cause the brain to release endorphins that actually raise levels of serotonin. Be careful though. Be sure to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate. There’s a world of difference between them.
Fruits
You guessed it: Fruits contain antioxidants and high amounts of vitamin C that not only keep you healthy, but make you feel a lot happier, too. In fact, both vitamin C and antioxidants found in fruits such as oranges and blueberries can actually help reduce feelings of stress and depression.
Nuts
You can go nuts with this snack food! Nuts contain high levels of protein and minerals as well as omega-3 fats. Not only is omega-3 beneficial for your brain and heart, it is often used to treat those with clinical depression. Nuts, right? That’s not all, it gets better. Nuts also contain vitamin E which is an antioxidant that helps fight stress. Nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews have even been shown to lower blood pressure! The next time you feel like eating of boredom or depression, don’t reach for the chips and cookies. Instead, try one of the aforementioned foods and watch your mood drastically improve.
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