Blues Busting Foods! No More Grumpy, Cranky Days For You With These Healthy Foods!

Food, food, glorious food! I love to eat and am having so much fun learning just how important our diets are to every aspect of our lives-including helping to boost our spirits. It is wonderful to have information on health and diet so we can feel more in control of our lives and be our best inside and out. After reading this you will have no more excuses to be cranky, got it?!
We've all had those days when we feel down and don't know why or we just need a pick me up (actually we have had those days when we are outright terrors if the truth be told). These healthy food choices will actually help to rev your engine and chase those blues away. Hello sunshine!

**Try Some Dessert- Yes! You read that right, try some dessert! Sugar soothes us when we're feeling stressed out ( I know that to be true and will take full advantage). But before you binge on a pan of brownies, cookies and candy, know that a little sugar may soothe you, but too much will wreak havoc with your blood sugar. So, as always moderation is the key here.

**Beans -Like most legumes, beans are rich in iron. If you're low on iron like many active people are--you can be tired and have trouble sleeping, which as we all know can make you cranky, cranky, cranky. Beans are great thrown in salads, over white rice, in a tortilla with salsa, in chili and soups.

**Bananas-Stress and the lack of magnesium are so closely related that it is a good idea for those who lead an active life to add foods rich in magnesium, such as bananas to their diet. Increasing the intake of magnesium reduces anxiety and makes for better sleeping.

**Oranges-Two glasses of fresh orange juice are enough to help say goodbye to some nervousness, bad moods and depression; lack of vitamin C, can make you irritable and cranky.

**Chocolate-Hurrah! Hurrah! Now I know it cannot get any better than this! Some experts believe that like many other foods sweet and rich in carbohydrates, chocolate can have a soothing effect; others, however, consider that the caffeine and other substances contained in chocolate could act as stimulants. I don't care why, I am just so glad to hear it! Ahem, moderation here though, again.

**Spinach and Lentils-Both Lentils and spinach are full of folate, a B vitamin that you need to make the serotonin that makes you feel good. Folate is strong enough to ease clinical depression, say researchers and low levels of folate have been linked to depression. A cup of cooked lentils provides 90% of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid-so try some lentil soup and be happy and healthy. Also, you could add frozen spinach and make a low-fat spinach dip, have a nice spinach salad or use on sandwiches instead of lettuce. More food tips here, and here.
-
**Walnuts
- Are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids-a type of fat that's needed for brain cells and mood-lifting . Also been shown to relieve mild depression. I love to eat walnuts as a snack but they are also delicious on salads.

**Salmon- is also rich in omega fatty acids and canned Salmon with bones contains vitamin D which has been linked to possibly increasing our levels of serotonin- one of the key neurotransmitters influencing our mood.


I am going to start having more walnuts, oranges and bananas for snacks and incorporate spinach and lentils into my diet. Don't worry, I already have the desserts and chocolate covered. To feeling better!

26 comments:

  1. i actually love spinach on sandwiches more than lettuce, i am a tad low in iron, so, i should have more beans :) thanks for the post heidi.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The only item I don't eat on a regular basis is salmon...fresh salmon I love but most of what I find around here is frozen.

    Just can't get away from "we are what we eat" can we!!!!!!

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  3. it's raining here and a good start eating all of them!:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post. I've totally been having sweet cravings lately. This is a good reminder to post on my fridge and to remind my clients as well.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I definitely agree with dessert and chocolate! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I never thought about eating beans when I'm feeling down! Makes sense now that I see the reasons, but I still think an ice cream sandwich might be more satisfying (although, way more unhealthy!)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would never have imagined beans would be on this list but I love that desserts and chocolate is! Great list again Heidi!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm a great fan of all the items on your list. Quite healthy indeed. I consume salmon and sugar in moderation. Wish I could go to Alaska and catch my OWN salmon. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Now, I am hungry. :) I love salmon. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Moderation really works for me. For example, instead of buying candy bars, only buy small chocolates. Having a chocolate is much easier than total self denial.

    ReplyDelete
  11. You know? There's definitely something to this. Now I know why I always feel good after I eat a banana! ;) It's very soothing, without a doubt. The chocolate is a no brainer, LOL! Who doesn't feel good eating some of THAT!
    Great article!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great info. I can always appreciate a good mood booster. In fact, we're having salmon tonight so I'm excited to know this news.

    By the way, please stop by my blog when you get a moment...I have something for you there :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Heidi:

    I love everything on your list. But, unfortunately, some of those things don't like me. I never heard they were good for the blues, I'll have to test this theory out on myself.

    Happy trails.

    ReplyDelete
  14. wow, good to know! off to research which beans will help me the most in the iron department (anemic). I need to start reading this more regularly, good stuff, thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. good posting.Congrats on the award that Dori,over at A Yellow House in England gave you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi,
    I would like to share a Best Blog Award with you! I love your site. I will be posting it on my site for you to see/follow up with. Simply pass it along to honor your own favorite bloggers! Check it out – http://www.guidetolifeforwomen.com.

    Take Care and keep up the good work!
    TR Hughes

    Great Article!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Is there any way to make legumes taste good...I get cranky just thinking about eating them!
    I guess I could try putting them in a purifier and add them to spaghetti sauce ?
    The rest of the list is easy to do, specially the deserts.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I Add U link In my Blogroll please check it and Don't forget Add my link too Friends :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I can't give up my chocolate. :P
    It's the only luxury I have now.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dropping by to catch up on my reading here and to greet yah a restful weekend ahead :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for the great post. I never thought food could be linked to my mental state like that. I lan to try your suggestions.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a bunch of wonderful ideas as usual. Unfortunately I am allergic to OJ (which is rare) and one of about 3 foods I don't like are banannas. However, I love walnuts, spinach and especially desserts!

    Thanks so very much forall your kind comments on my site. It's much appreciated :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Cheers! To feeling better!
    Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  24. No doubt about it...dessert and chocolate always cheers me up!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Almonds are the perfect snack. They are filling and good for you.

    I love chocolate and bananas too.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Gotta agree with ya on bananas Heidi. I always have one in the afternoon to give myself a much needed energy boost.

    ReplyDelete

Fat, Fat I Ain't Down With That! Easy Tips To Revive Your Metabolism!

 I get a little lazy in winter since generally the swimsuit is many months away however this year I am determined to not let the holidays an...