You are what you eat so make sure you choose wisely
Anyone that knows me well will tell you that food and I have a wonderful relationship. Reading about food, writing about food, buying food, cooking food and of course, eating food - I am a foodie there is no doubt about it.
Food brings families, lovers, friends and strangers together. Debates, dates, arguments and laughter are all shared at dinner tables and all over the world.
Not only does food unite people in many wonderful and special ways, it also fuels our bodies and mind.
I can tell how my mood and energy levels change if I am not mindful of eating a balanced diet, with of course the odd treat now and then too. I never said I was a saint.
If I fill my diet full of artificial additives, colourings and flavourings, and way too much yellow, I find my mind is foggy, I feel lethargic and my mood can really low.
So what food do I find is good and even enhances my ADHD brain?
Salmon and fish in general is good for your mood as it contains omega-3 fatty acids and can even alleviate mild depression. This is science! Oily fish contains high levels of Vitamin B12, which can help in the production of serotonin in your brain, one of the happy chemicals.
If you are enjoying a plant-based diet, foods like avocado, cabbage, green beans, artichokes and lentils are full of Vitamin B6, which is said to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Another way of toping up your Vitamin B could be by eating whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, millet, bulgur and wild rice into your diet.
Brazil nuts are nutritional powerhouses providing healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They’re exceptionally high in selenium, a mineral with potent antioxidant properties that’s also good for thyroid, brain, and heart health. You need no more than three brazil nuts a day to top up on all the good stuff your body needs.
I was also delighted to learn that dark chocolate is actually good for you - in moderation of course, as it releases endorphins into the body which is a chemical used by the body to relive pain and stress.
So there you have it. A friendly round-up of foods that will boost your mood and taste good too!
Happy eating and happy mood.
Love Anna x
