Can’t seem to cheer up? Your diet could be deficient in some vital nutrients that have been shown to regulate mood and stress response.
“Food can be powerful,” nutritionist Joy Bauer told the Today Show. “Studies suggest that certain foods and food combinations can boost your mood and better your temperament.”
She suggests eating every four to five hours, limiting refined carbohydrates, increasing levels of soluble fiber and omega-3 fats, and pairing protein in meals and snacks with high-quality carbohydrates.
So instead of reaching for a calorie-laden, sugary treat that only offers a momentary fix (and a sugar crash later), try one of these five more nutritious – and more effective – options.
1. Sweet potatoes
When stress and sadness creep in, many of us crave the comfort of sweets and carbohydrates. A sweet potato can fulfill that longing to feel better with the added benefit of 260+ percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A (great for your immune system) as well as tons of vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber – all proven to improve mood and energy levels.
