What we put inside our bodies greatly affects the way we feel, think, perform, and look.
We rely on food to keep us energized and focused, so it goes without saying that junk food pretty much does nothing to help us grow and thrive.
There are plenty of different foods we’ve been told not to eat at certain times during the day to avoid feeling tired at 3 p.m. or awake at 10 p.m.
Yes, food affects the way we feel, which is why it’s so important to follow a healthy diet every single day.
But knowing what not to eat when you’re tired or stressed or unhappy doesn’t really give you an idea of what you should eat instead.
Depending on your mood, here’s what The Huffington Post suggests eating to feel your best:
When you feel depressed or fatigued: Tea or Hazelnuts
Rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, a handful of hazelnuts can offer you a nutritious boost of energy to take your tired mind out of its slump. These nuts are also loaded with a slew of other healthy nutrients, like potassium, manganese, calcium, copper, iron, selenium, zinc, and fiber to help you feel focused and alert.
Tea, on the other hand, is well-known for its mood enhancing benefits, especially concentration and relaxation. While black and green tea can quickly help wake you up in the morning, soothing chamomile will quiet your mind to help you sleep better at night.
When you feel anxious and stressed: Chocolate
Not many people reach for fruits and veggies when they’re feeling stressed. Fortunately, the high sugar and fat content in chocolate has been linked to an increase in both endorphin and serotonin levels, which can help you feel instantly happier. Cocoa is also packed with healthy polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been shown to boost mood and promote clear thinking.
When you feel tired and fuzzy: Coffee
Though it’s easy to go overboard on caffeine, just one cup of coffee can help you feel more alert and improve concentration in the short-term. So, if you’re in need of a little pick-me-up right now, a single cup of coffee can give you just enough energy to feel more focused.
When you haven’t been sleeping well: Lean Protein and Healthy Fats
Eggs, chicken, lean beef, oily fish—these are all foods that can help increase your serotonin levels when you’re running on little sleep. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for maintaining balance and mood, which is crucial when you haven’t been sleeping very well. You can also naturally increase your serotonin levels through exercise.
What do you think of these suggestions? Tell us in the comments!
Photo Copyright © 2011 Arvydas Simbelis/Flickr
