5 Healthy Feel Good Foods For Every Nutrition Approach

Oct 17, 2017 by Tatianna

 

Are you tired of feeling tired? Sometimes when life gets the better of us and we start working more and taking care of ourselves less, you start to unknowingly compromise your health. You’ll start to feel sluggish, tired, irritable and unhappy.

Most people don’t make the correlation between diet and quality of life, and in turn suffer with too much stress, or take up unhealthy recreational activities that only make things worse in the long run.

If any of this relates to you, keep reading, because we are going to share 5 foods that you can add to your diet to start feeling good.

 

Walnuts

 
Walnuts contain a high amount of a chemical called serotonin, which is otherwise known as the “feel good chemical”.

Serotonin works as a natural mood stabilizer and is created from an amino acid called tryptophan, which must enter your body through diet. It can be used to help various mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.

When you have normal serotonin levels, you will feel calmer, happier and more focused.
New studies done in Spain have found that by eating just 1 ounce of walnuts a day, you can get an adequate and effective amount of serotonin.

Sprinkle them in oatmeal, on salads, blend into smoothies, or just enjoy a handful on their own!

 

Mushrooms

 
If they’re not already on the list of superfoods, they should definitely be added! Mushrooms can also be used as a natural mood stabilizer due to their high selenium levels.

Selenium is a mineral which also doubles up as an antioxidant, meaning it fights the damage done by free radicals, and particularly defends against prostate and colon cancer.

Mushrooms also help fight off anxiety, depression and fatigue. The fungus is also rich in vitamin D, which can enhance your mood and fight off seasonal depression that a large part of the North American population suffers from in the winter when there is less sunlight.

The best part about mushrooms is that they are so versatile to cook with. Add them into quiche, omelettes, pasta dishes, soups or veggie burgers. Get creative and start reaping the benefits!

 

Dark Chocolate

 
I’m sure chocolate makes everyone happy, no explanation needed. But there is actually a scientific reason why chocolate makes us so happy!

The antioxidants in dark chocolate let our blood vessels relax, allowing for easy blood flow and decreased stress hormone levels. Dark chocolate is also high in a mineral called magnesium, which can fight off fatigue, irritability and depression.

Dark chocolate also contains a chemical which stimulates your brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are typically known to be released during exercise and are responsible for elevating your mood and making you feel instantly happier! Basically eating dark chocolate is just as good as exercise, right?

However, these superpowers only pertain to dark chocolate, because milk chocolate is too highly processed to contain any valuable health benefits. Opt for 70% or higher dark chocolate next time you’re feeling stressed.

Also, make sure to aim for low sugar content when purchasing chocolate. There are some really good options with 90% cacao, containing only 3 g of sugar per serving.

 

Coffee

 
Seeing java on this list is probably a huge sigh of relief to many people. Coffee has positive effects by not only giving you energy, but also increases your mood, increases stimulation in your nervous system and gives you a sense of tranquility.

When enjoyed with friends, it creates a bond of affection and calmness. Keep in mind that portion control plays a huge role in coffee’s health benefits. Drinking 1-2 cups a day is recommended for best results, but anything more than that could create adverse effects.

If you are worried about the acidity in coffee you can also go for the cold brew option. Now days you can find many cold brew options in the supermarket, or you can always make your own cold brew at home.

 

Coconut

 
Seriously, along with mushrooms, coconuts should definitely be added to the list of superfoods. Coconuts have high triglyceride levels, which are fats that help keep our brains healthy and boost our mood.

Portion control is key for coconuts as they are primarily fat based. While our bodies do need healthy doses of fat for proper function, going overboard can lead to weight gain and different cardiovascular health issues.

Coconut water, however, is a fat free alternative way to get your coconut fix. It contains magnesium and selenium and releases serotonin, which are all key components in fighting depression and increasing your mood, making you feel good. Drink up!

If you find yourself ever feeling sluggish, fatigued, sad or anxious due to a hectic lifestyle, take a step back and look at your diet. By adding in some of these foods, you can increase your happiness and your overall quality of life. Diet is often overlooked as a key component in mental health and wellbeing and while you may not be able to control every situation in your life, you can always control your diet!

 

About The Author:
 
Helen Sanders is chief editor at HealthAmbition.com. Established in 2012, Health Ambition has grown rapidly in recent years. Our goal is to provide easy-to-understand health and nutrition advice that makes a real impact. We pride ourselves on making sure our actionable advice can be followed by regular people with busy lives