Eat to Improve Your Mood

Q: Is it true certain foods can actually improve my mood?

A: Happy news: Eating the right stuff at the right time can help you feel good.  To prevetn the dips and spikes in blood sugar levels that may leave you tired, irritable and headachy, try to....

1. Eat every 4 to 5 hours.  Noshing throughout the day provides your body and brain with constant fuel.
2. Limit refined carbs.  Your body quickly metabolizes the calories in soda, juice, bagels and crackers, causing blood sugar to rise sharply and eventually plummet.  
3. Fill up on soluble fibre.  Oats, brown rice and vegetables (to name a few) slow down the body's absorption of sugar, so you feel steadily energized and upbeat for hours.

4. Add protein to meals and snacks.   It keeps carbs from being digested too quickly.  (Put some cottage cheese on that wholewheat bagel or wholegrain cracker, for example)
5. Go for foods high in Omega-3 fats and vitamin D. Research indicates they can relieve the blues.   For omega-3's, try ground flaxsees and oily fish like wild salmon; good sources of vitamin D include fortified skim milk and egg yolks.

 Not only will your mood be improved because of the good nutrition, but you will feel better for taking such good care of yourself!