Beat The Winter Blues With Food
When winter arrives, the cold and dark days can get us feeling a bit down. But did you know that the food you eat can help lift your spirits? Certain foods can make us feel happier and more energized, even during the chilly winter months.
Before we start talking about specific foods, let’s understand how what we eat can affect our mood. Some special nutrients in our food can actually make us feel better and happier. Isn’t that amazing? By including these special foods in your meals, you can chase away those winter blues and feel more cheerful.
When it comes to cosy winter foods, pumpkin soup is a real winner. It’s not only yummy but also packed with nutrients that can boost your mood and make you feel great!
- Tryptophan: Pumpkin has something called tryptophan, which is like a superhero nutrient. Tryptophan helps our brain make a special chemical called serotonin, which makes us feel happy and relaxed. So, eating pumpkin can actually make us feel happier and more at ease.
- Powerful Antioxidants: Pumpkin is also loaded with antioxidants, like beta-carotene and vitamin C. Antioxidants are powerful nutrients that help our bodies stay healthy. They reduce inflammation and stress, which is really good for our brain and mood. They also make our immune system stronger, keeping us healthy during winter.
- Vitamin B6 for a Happy Brain: Pumpkin has vitamin B6 too. This vitamin is super important because it helps our brain make serotonin, the happy chemical.
Other Foods for a Happy Winter
There are also other foods that can make us feel happier during winter too:
Tasty Leafy Greens: Green vegetables like kale, spinach, and silverbeet are like tiny mood boosters. They have a special vitamin called folate that helps our brain make chemicals to keep us happy. These greens also have magnesium, which helps us feel calm and relaxed. Wilt these down in your curries, stir fries or pastas.
Omega-3 Fats: Foods like fatty fish (salmon), walnuts, and chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. They keep your brain healthy and can make us feel less sad and worried. Try adding chia seeds on top of your cereal or chop walnuts on top of your vegetables or salad.
Foods with Vitamin D: During winter, when the sun hides away, it’s important to get enough vitamin D. Foods like milk, eggs, and mushrooms can give us this special vitamin. Vitamin D is important to keep your happy hormones functioning as best they can.
Now that you have learned the ways to boost mood through your food, it’s time to try our High Protein Pumpkin Soup (link recipe).
