As the saying goes, we are what we eat, but what about how we feel? Eating well certainly won’t work miracles but the role of our diet in determining how we feel is not to be underestimated.
Making healthy choices and avoiding processed foods can help to lift your mood and lead to a feeling of wellbeing. Filling up on the wrong foods on the other hand can leave you feeling down in the dumps.
As we get older, it’s especially important to ensure that we eat the right variety of nutrients to support positive mood and give us more energy to stay active.
So just what should we be eating to protect our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in later life? Here are our top ten recommended good mood foods…
1. Sweet potatoes
A comforting and healthy carb, sweet potatoes are rich in folate and vitamin B6, supporting our brain’s neurotransmitters and helping to keep low mood and depression at bay.
2. Green tea
Packed with powerful antioxidants, green tea contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that increases dopamine production in the brain, helping to boost mood. It can also help to protect against Alzheimer’s.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the richest plant-based sources of Omega 3 fatty acids which are great for overall brain health.
4. Vitamin B rich foods
Food that is rich in vitamin B, such as cabbage, asparagus, brussels sprouts, turmeric, garlic, salmon, bananas, and kale, helps to improve our mental and emotional wellbeing.
5. Dark chocolate
Eating dark chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins. It also contains serotonin to help stave off depression and phenylethylamine, another chemical in the brain that helps us to feel good.
6. Whole grains
By choosing healthy, high-fibre whole grain carbohydrates, you’ll be giving your mood a quick boost – whilst also getting a comforting carb fix!
7. Oily fish
Oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna, are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, helping to ward off feelings of depressions and improving overall health too.
8. Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein, vitamin B, zinc and Omega 3 giving you a boost in energy and helping to lift your mood.
9. Turkey
Turkey has high levels of tryptophan which stimulates the body’s production of feel-good chemical serotonin.
10. Coconut
Fresh coconut contains certain fats that enhance your mood and improve the health of your brain.
All the ingredients for a healthy life
The food we choose to eat can help to change the way we feel however there are many other factors that play a part in our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Living well for longer is at the heart of every Brio community, and when it comes to eating well, we’ve got it covered. The Slate & Grain brasserie and bar, developed exclusively for our communities, is the perfect place to fill up on healthy food.
All our dishes are made with locally-sourced, fresh ingredients so whether you’re seeking a healthy snack or a nutritious meal to enjoy with family and friends, our contemporary brasserie has all the ingredients you need to eat well.