Midwinter, do you slip into a seasonal funk — feeling even more tired, stressed, moody, or sad for no real reason? If so, you are not alone. Seasonal affective disorder — a type of depression that sets in around Fall and lasts throughout the Winter months — affects about 3 million people per year. Whether you suffer from SAD or not, the good news is that you can boost your mood any time of year by filling up on these 7 feel-good foods. (Spoiler alert: chocolate made the list!)
Oatmeal
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography/Anna Monette Roberts
It may come as no surprise that there is a direct relationship between carbohydrate consumption and the release of the brain’s feel-good chemical serotonin. But that doesn't give you the green light to reach for a croissant, cupcake, or bag of chips to feel better. In fact, simple carbs and sugar (including white breads and white rice) will likely make you feel a whole lot worse, since they set off an energy roller coaster that will leave you feeling even more zapped and have you reaching for another fast fix. Instead, start your morning with a nourishing bowl of oatmeal — a complex carb that will increase serotonin in your brain while keeping your energy levels even. Not a huge fan of oats? Here are six tips for a better bowl. Need a new spin? We are obsessed with this savory Asian-inspired oatmeal, which works for either breakfast or dinner. Other good-choice carbs include brown rice, potatoes, root vegetables, popcorn, and fruit.
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Chickpeas
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Chickpeas are rich in magnesium and vitamin B6 — two crucial nutrients to keep your nervous system happy, reduce stress, and ward off anxiety. Plus, these little legumes deliver a hefty amount of plant-based protein, which helps your brain produce serotonin and dopamine — two mood-elevating hormones. When you feel your next snack attack coming on, forgo that bag of chips and reach for some seriously addictive spicy roasted chickpeas or easy, homemade hummus instead. Or try one of these editor’s favorite salad, snack, and soup recipes featuring chickpeas.
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Chocolate
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography/Camilla Salem
It’s no secret that chocolate incites pleasure — no wonder it’s shared by lovers come Valentine’s Day. But there’s no reason it shouldn’t be on the menu every day — especially dark chocolate or cocoa nibs — which offer a surge in feel-good endorphins sans the added sugar in traditional chocolate bars and desserts. Need a quick pick-me-up? Stash a Taza chocolate Mexican disc in your desk drawer. Rise and shine with this must-try recipe for chocolate coconut almond overnight oats, or cozy up to a three-ingredient, three-minute hot chocolate.
What if all you need to crank-proof your mood is a handful of Brazil nuts a day? No joke. Brazil nuts are super high in the mood-maintaining mineral selenium. (Selenium deficiencies can lead to anxiety, depression, and irritability.) Get your daily dose simply by enjoying about six nuts as a snack any time of day. Tip: stash a bag in your purse or the center console of your car for easy access. Or add them to salads, smoothies, green juice, trail mix, or yogurt. Take it up a notch by using them to make Brazilian nut parmesan as they do at the celebrated vegan eatery Café Gratitude.
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Turmeric
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We’ll bet there’s at least one turmeric-spiked tonic on the menu at your go-to juice spot — and for good reason! The golden-hued spice, which is best known for coloring curries, is a potent natural anti-inflammatory. Long-suspected as a cancer fighter, the spice’s active ingredient — curcumin — has also shown promise as an antidepressant. If you are anywhere near the LA-based Kreation Juicery, stop in for a turmeric-tainted Serenity, or whip up a creamy vegan curry or soothing turmeric milk at home.
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Green Tea
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography/Jenny Sugar
Caffeine increases energy levels, alertness, productivity, and even activates the brain’s pleasure centers — which can be an amazing thing. But as much as we all love our morning cup of joe, the high caffeine content in coffee can also increase feelings of agitation and anxiety, sending stress levels souring. The solution? Swap your coffee for green tea. It contains about one-fourth the amount of caffeine as coffee, providing a gentle mood elevation without the jitters. When it comes to bagged teas, we love the nutty flavor and gentle lift of Eden’s Organic Genmaicha Green Tea With Brown Rice, served hot or iced. Want to make it more of a ritual? Try your hand at one of these three methods for making matcha or go next level by learning how to cook with matcha in almost everything, from zucchini noodles to bundt cake.
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Popcorn
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography/Anna Monette Roberts
Ever wonder why popcorn is so addictive? Of course, there’s the salt factor, but the little whole grain that could also contains the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, the neurotransmitter most often linked to happiness. Plus, popcorn is a complex carbohydrate — another serotonin booster that provides sustained energy. Before you curl up on the couch for your next movie night, try one of these 12 delicious popcorn recipes — we can’t get enough of the garam masala popcorn. Add some vintage flair with these supercute, reusable popcorn buckets.
