Good Mood Foods

The weather is shifting to cooler temperatures here in the Eastern Woodlands. I notice myself bracing more and feeling moments of contractions. This is a time of year to consider mood boosting foods and herbs.

Eggs: a nutrient-dense complete protein, full of essential vitamins and minerals, eggs balance blood glucose and calm your stress hormones. Try to eat pastured eggs from chickens that ate the grubs that become anti-inflammatory fatty acids in their eggs.

Wild salmon: contains soothing omega fatty acids that balance mood by reducing inflammation. P

Bananas: contain tryptophan (precursor to feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin) and dopamine (our primary reward chemical) and are a natural mood elevator.

Pumpkin seeds: excellent source of important vitamins and minerals, including zinc, which is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions that occur in the body every day.

Brazil nuts: have a high content of mood-boosting antioxidant selenium. You just need to eat one to get your daily dose.

Coconuts: studies show that even smelling this tropical fruit has a calming effect on your stress hormones. Try sauteing your veggies in one tablespoon per day to get your daily dose of this metabolic booster.

Purple berries: blueberries and blackberries contain purple pigment called anthocyanin, which, aside from being a heart-healthy antioxidant, is also a powerful mood enhancer.

Black coffee and tea: caffeine is a natural mood lifter and improves cognitive function overall. Stick to one to two cups per day and use organic beans.

Dark chocolate: contains several feel-good chemicals, as well as mood-boosting polyphenols and magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can lead to a higher risk of headaches, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, muscle cramping, nervousness, and high blood pressure. Many studies report dark chocolate's ability to increase feelings of wellness and decrease stress.

Gratitude to DailyOm for this healing information.