3 Mood-Boosting Foods You Should Always Have at Home

Food makes people happy, obvious right? But I’m not talking about how eating food makes people happy, I’m talking about how specific foods contain nutrients that can lift your mood. Kind of awesome, if you think about it.

Here are 3 foods you can eat to boost your mood, try fitting them into your diet!

If you’re suffering from anxiety…

Spinach

Did you know there’s a known link between magnesium deficiencies and anxiety and depression? Neither did I. Magnesium deficiency can cause everything from headaches to depression and seizures.

1 cup of spinach contains around 157 milligrams of magnesium. Add it to salads, blend it in smoothies or acai bowls, or hide it in pies.

If you’re feeling tired…

Oats

Struggling to focus and stay awake? Try this magic combo – a bowl of oats topped with sliced banana. Why? Bananas contain amino acids that help in the production of norepinephrine, which helps you stay more alert; and oats, with their Low-GI, help to release energy slowly. One study actually found that people who eat breakfasts made up of complex carbs like oats tend to feel more energised and alert.

There are 4g of fiber for every cup of oatmeal, and a cup of bananas contains 20.2 mg. If a bowl of oats isn’t your thing, blend the bananas along with some uncooked oats and eggs to make pancakes!

If you’re feeling low…

Fish

Can’t shake the grey cloud above your head? Research has shown that people who are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids are more likely to suffer from depression or experience low moods. And what better source of omega-3 fatty acids than fish?

A 198 gram fillet of raw Atlantic salmon contains an impressive 4961 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re not a huge fish fan, try crusting it with oats, and then roasting it, otherwise fry it for a few minutes and serve it with some barley and kale.

/Femi, The Girl Who Hates Working Out

RELATED: 4 Recipes to Help You Eat Yourself Happy