Tasty Ways To Chase Away A Bad Mood
When I saw this article in Care2, on ways to boost moods with food, I had to applaud. Being a dedicated foodie, I believe a lot of our best moments revolve around our kitchens. Then when I saw their list and it included spinach, yogurt and chocolate, I knew I was in the right place.
Whatever your take on moods, I am sure you will all agree there are times when we need a little boost. When I have taken the third call in an hour from distraught friends who have just crashed into problems, I begin to feel my mood losing ground. But then, when the plumbing acts up too, I know a mood booster is mandatory.
Care2 has a great list of proven mood boosters. They recommend sesame seeds, chocolate, yogurt, spinach, lentils and flaxseed. They also suggest pinto, black, navy, kidney and garbanzo beans, asparagus, and turnip greens. Dark chocolate tops my list, followed closely by yogurt. Research shows dark chocolate reduces the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, that often adds to weight when stress invades.
Yogurt is a key source of vitamin B12 that researchers have linked to mental health. Dairy, eggs and seafood also provide B12. But sometimes seniors and vegetarians do not get enough B12 and yogurt, plus supplements can help.
Spinach can show up as a fresh salad topped with shrimp, dried cranberries and bacon bits. The mood boosting nutrients in spinach include depression fighting folates that ease anxiety. Pair it with black bean tacos or barbecued salmon and watch your mood head back up as you enjoy the meal.
Meeting for Dinner Works Too
I am also a believer in olives and jalapenos. Actually I believe in chasing the mood breaking demons away by whipping up wonderful dinners with olives or jalapenos as spicy accents. Most of us have our favorite dishes, and when too many friends have run aground, or other problems keep turning up, stopping to make a great meal and dine with friends can really help to reinstate better moods.
Whatever your best dishes are, shop for the fresh ingredients, and then invite your friends for a leisurely dinner. I do believe the most stress gets discarded over meals like this. It’s hard to be stressed when the mood is this good. In a pinch, early morning coffee meetings, or longer than usual lunches, can help too. One on one contact with sympathetic listeners can go a long way to siphon off bad mood vibes, and point everyone in a new direction. But be sure to bring along some chocolate.
If anxiety and mood downers persist, see your doctor for counselors who can help.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Sterling College