Turkey leaves you in a good mood - it's not surprising because it remind you of Christmas
The dark days of winter are here, which means that the feeling of crankiness could begin hanging over like an angry cloud! However, the good news is, mood can be boosted with food.
Atkins nutritionist, Linda O’Byrne, explains: “It’s no secret that many of us console a bad mood by eating. Although this usually comes in the form of a full-on sugar binge on sweets, white bread and cakes, which will only cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar, making you feel even more lethargic, sluggish and fed up.
“There are other, much healthier foods, which can have a huge uplifting effect on how you feel. These include Atkins friendly foods high in ‘good’ fats, protein and slow-burning complex carbs.”
Here, Linda shares her mood boosting foods:
· Turkey contains Tryptophan, an amino acid which increases serotonin, the ‘feel good’ hormone. Plus it’s packed with protein, which keeps you fuller for longer. Combine with a large mixed salad, which is packed with nutrients and fibre, and include 1/3 sliced avocado for added fibre and healthy fats. Combining complex carbs, such as salad with turkey, will help the Tryptophan to be more readily absorbed
· Sunflower seeds, avocados and nuts. These are all high in both Tryptophan and essential fatty acids, which help the nervous system to work properly. Eating foods like this will also fill you up so you’re less likely to crave sweets as a comfort measure - a sure-fire way of leaving you feeling miserable and bloated
· Dark green leafy veggies are full of B vitamins, which can increase energy and ease depression. So for dinner, eat a lean protein source, such as chicken breast or steak and a large portion of green leaves
· Oily fish, such as sardines, are a great mood booster. Oily fish is full of the essential fats, EPA and DHA, found to greatly enhance state of mind. Studies have even shown they can ease depression