Feel Good Foods

When we're feeling blue we immediately want to reach for ice-cream or cake. But those foods actually can make you feel worse by causing guilt later. Instead try these healthy foods that have been shown to raise your mood: 

1. Saffron - Shown in studies to support mood. Many recipes using saffron are available on www.foodnetwork.com search "saffron."
2. Green Tea - The L-theanine in green tea has been shown to have a calming effect. Try full leaf teas such as tea forte for best benefits and taste. Full leaf teas are available at whole foods, fresh market, or other health stores. 
3. Omega 3 fatty acids - A study showed that supplements decreased occurrence of depressive symptoms. Omega 3 is naturally found in ground flax seed (sprinkle on top of yogurt and salad or blend into smoothies,) and salmon. If you need help picking a supplement refer to my article about omega 3 supplements. 
4. Tryptophan - An amino acid that has been shown to help with mood. Found in turkey, soy, meat, and spinach. 
5. Magnesium - Found in nuts, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, halibut fish, black beans, and whole-wheat bread. 
6. Folic Acid - Found in fruit, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and collard greens, and lentils. 
7. Vitamin B-12 - Found in meat and fish such as salmon, tuna, and cod. 

(Source: Food technology journal & medline+) 

Tip of the day: 

If you are feeling blue, other than these foods watch a funny show or movie such as Friends or Superbad. Comedies raise mood-boosting endorphins. Even anticipation of watching the comedy raised endorphins by 27% in a study.  

(Source: shape magazine, dec 2011)