07.25.08 : Foods that can boost your mood

KUSA - Feeling blue? Or tired? Maybe you didn’t eat the right lunch or breakfast.

The next time you need to go to your happy place, you might want to head to the refrigerator. New research into food and mood shows your diet may control your state of mind.

Registered dietitian Lisa Dreyer explains it like this, “The food that we eat contains nutrients which ultimately affect brain chemicals. And it’s those brain chemicals, specifically the release of brain chemicals that can cause changes in our mood. So it’s more than just calories, it can actually alter our brain chemistry.”

To hold off the symptoms of depression choose omega 3 fatty acids. The best source comes in fatty fish like salmon or mackerel or walnuts.

If you’re looking for concentration, go for protein such as turkey, string cheese, beans or yogurt. Blueberries are known to improve memory.

Dreyer added, “Protein boosts levels of dopamine in the brain and that increases feelings of alertness, as well as concentration.”

Choose complex carbs to boost your energy. For example, try whole grain toast with peanut butter, a whole grain bagel, pretzels or yogurt.

To calm down or relax you might want something sweet or starchy such as a low fat cookie, pretzels, a granola bar or banana.

Dreyer says it’s important not to overindulge with these foods. She suggests a calorie budget of 150 calories. After all, if you overdo it, you’ll be unhappy in the long run.

Finally, if you need a reason to eat a little dark chocolate, research shows it leads to euphoria.

posted by: Kim Christiansen

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