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What to eat to improve your mood

08 February, 2012 07:42:00 Weighless

Photo ©: © Dušan Zidar - Fotolia.com

According to nutrition expert Elaine Magee, what you eat may improve your mood as dietary changes can bring about changes in our brain structure which can lead to altered behaviour.

Tips for improving your mood by changing your diet:

Don't banish carbs

Just choose 'smart' carbs. The connection between carbohydrates and mood is all about serotonin, which is a mood regulator, and is produced in the brain as a result of B vitamins. Foods thought to increase serotonin levels include fish and vitamin D; and smart carbohydrate choices like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Get more Omega-3 fatty acids

Recently, researchers have noted that omega-3 fats may help protect against depression. Foods like fatty fish, flaxseed and walnuts are found to affect neurotransmitter pathways in the brain.

Eat a balanced breakfast

Eating breakfast regularly helps to improve your mood, and according to some researchers, benefits also include a better memory, more energy throughout the day, and feelings of calmness.

Keep exercising and lose weight

After looking at data from 4 641 women ages 40-65, researchers from the Center for Health Studies in Seattle found a strong link between depression and obesity, lower physical activity levels, and a higher calorie intake. Even without obesity as a factor, depression was associated with lower amounts of moderate or vigorous physical activity.

A healthy diet guarantees infinite energy and a tranquil mind

Elaine also encourages people to incorporate as many of these suggestions as possible, because, regardless of their effects on mood, most of these changes offer other health benefits as well.

Outside of healthy eating, regular exercise is essential for healthy muscle activity and mental wellness

Jon Gordon, a Florida based consultant who advises corporations and athletes on how to keep fit, says “Walking is an energizer, even a 10-minute walk can help you overcome snacking out of boredom. Also walking works better at fighting fatigue than a sugar infusion, and has shown to increase energy for at least two hours, whilst sugary snacks have shown to leave people feeling restless and lethargic in just an hour!”

Founder and Chairman of Weigh-Less, Mary Holroyd, is an avid believer that each and every person is in control of what they weigh; she says “I want to say to each person that YOU hold the power to renovate your body and mind through a few simple life adjustments. This year turn your focus from only trying to lose those unwanted kilos to looking forward to being healthy overall.

Aim for health and you are guaranteed to be happy!”