Do you envy other people who seem to be happy all the time? If so, you are not along. Recent studies reveal that most people want to have a more positive outlook on life. One way to do this is to eat a healthy diet that contains certain types of foods. Read on for a list of good mood foods that can make anyone feel better.
Sweet Potatoes
The sweet potato contains ingredients that promote the production of serotonin, a naturally produced neurotransmitter that induces calm, reduces appetite and decreases pain. This root vegetable contains large amounts of vitamin C, a vital nutrient in the production of serotonin.
How to serve it: Wrap a sweet potato in aluminum foil, bake it in the oven until soft and top with cinnamon for a tasty treat that rivals sweet potato pie.
Salmon
Salmon contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Studies show that this nutrient in helpful in fighting against depression. Additional benefits of consuming fish high in omega-3 include eliminating postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder
How to serve it: Poach salmon fillets, form patties out of canned salmon and grill them, add fresh salmon to salads or to a breakfast omelet. Improve the flavor by adding teriyaki sauce or dressing with any type of citrus salsa.
Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein and can aid in keeping blood sugar levels from fluctuating wildly and causing drastic mood swings. The B vitamins in yolks play a critical role in the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters responsible for improving mood. The vitamin D contained in eggs helps prevent a deficiency, which can cause depression.
How to serve it: Stabilize mood by consuming an afternoon snack of fruit and a hard boiled egg. Eggland’s Best products contain twice as much omega-3s and vitamin D, one-quarter less saturated fat and ten times the vitamin E in regular eggs.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a vegetable that contains high levels of folic acid. A deficiency in this nutrient can trigger sleeplessness, fatigue and depression. Diabetes medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, medications that lower cholesterol and birth control deplete natural stores of folate in the body. Eat up because four cups of asparagus contains just 100 calories. Some people believe asparagus is a natural aphrodisiac and being in love is a powerful mood booster.
How to cook it: Set the oven to 400 degrees and give it enough time to preheat. Wash asparagus stalks thoroughly and cut the bottom ends off. Coat a baking sheet with cooking oil. Lay out the asparagus on the tray and drizzle with crushed garlic and oil. Add a small amount of salt and pepper to taste. Allow the asparagus to roast in the oven for between eight and ten minutes until the stalks are tender and light brown. Remove the tray from the oven and squirt some fresh lemon juice over the stalks.