You reach for the tub of ice-cream when life gets in the way. You turn to the trusty mac and cheese when you have had a bad day at work. You treat yourself to lava cake when you have had a long day.
The relationship between mood and food is a strong one. These comfort foods end up providing us just that, comfort.
Unfortunately, most of the comfort food is not good for you. These foods are often packed with calories, and not nutrition. Moreover, those laden with sugar lead to the sugar spike, that is then followed by the lows, that also then lead to further aggravation of the mood.
Also, when you continuously and periodically reach for such calorie high food, you also then put yourself at risk for obesity, to remedy which you might then require the assistance of Best Nutritionists in Lahore.
So, what to do now?
Before you start to get sad about for dependence on food for mood, hang on. There are still certain food options that offer improved physical health alongside better mental health as well. These include:
Bananas
Bananas are not only just good for making the banoffee pie that makes your heart sing, but they are good for health when eaten on their own as well. Essentially, bananas are a good source of vitamin B6, which then has a beneficial impact on the neurotransmitters that help you feel good.
Furthermore, bananas are also a good source of prebiotics, that help in keeping the gut bacteria happy. Since gut is considered as the second brain, keeping it healthy is important for good cognitive functioning as well.
Moreover, bananas are also sweet, so they help in improving the bad mood from low blood sugar levels, but since it is intrinsic or natural sugar, it is better than the processed white sugar that we consume in desserts otherwise.
Coffee
The elixir of life, coffee does not help you get through the day, but it also makes life bearable for you. It aids in the release of the happiness neurotransmitters, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Moreover, coffee also helps you get over the lethargy holds your body and hence mood back.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is sinfully good, and not just in terms of taste, but also with regards to your health. The flavonoids in dark chocolate aid in improving mood; some people call it a feeling that is akin to love.
Moreover, it also helps in increased blood flow to the brain, which naturally then has a better impact on your mental health. It also lowers inflammation, which in turn has a positive impact on your mood.
Likewise, dark chocolate is also perceived to be helpful to improving mood. The placebo effect that accompanies its consumption may also then contribute towards the improvement in the mood.
However, go for at least 70% plus cocoa content; otherwise, the chocolate is too sweet, and thus, not so great for your physical health.
Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, that keep the brain happy and healthy. Moreover, these fish also contain compounds that help in improvement in the symptoms of depression as well.
Furthermore, fatty fish is also tasty to eat. You can grill it, bake it, or prepare in any other way that you like, and enjoy its impact on your brain and mood.
Yogurt
Yogurt is not something that you try when you stomach is feeling queasy, but when your mood is down as well.
Yogurt, and similar fermented products, promote a healthy gut due to their probiotic content. This in turn leads to an increase in the serotonin levels, that then has a positive effect on your mood, and even stress levels.
If, however, you are lactose intolerant, you can consult the Best Nutritionists in Islamabad for an alternate source of probiotics.
