Can the Foods We Eat Affect Our Mood?

Can the Foods We Eat Affect Our Mood?

Absolutely, according to a new article that can be found on the NPR website. According to the article “a nutrient-dense diet may help tamp down stress.” And there are even specific foods that may help boost your mood. I’ve included the link below, so that you can read the original article yourself, but if you’re short on time here’s the lowdown:

What you eat can stress you out, or it can calm you down. In times of stress, you will tend to make worse choices, and those choices will typically exacerbate the problem, and cause more stress. Not surprisingly, the list of foods that you tend to grab when stressed are high in sugar, low in fiber, and generally not great for you. And they can and will backfire, stressing you out more. The foods that will fight stress are generally foods you might think of as healthier choices. Below is a list for you viewing pleasure:

Stress-Busting Foods

  • Eggs
  • Dark, leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like sardines, salmon, or canned tuna
  • Flaxseed
  • Dark chocolate

How often do you incorporate these stress-busting foods into your diet? Do you feel like the foods you eat affect your mood? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Original Article on NPR: Food-Mood Connection: How You Eat Can Amp Up Or Tamp Down Stress by Allison Aubrey


 

By Melissa Abromovich, Certified Personal Trainer at Elite Sports Club-River Glen