Here in Las Vegas, we have had some colder temperatures and overcast days, which may affect your winter moods. If you have been feeling a little more rundown, maybe experiencing the “winter blues,” experts are saying the foods you eat could be part of the problem.
Of course, it could also be that post-Christmas slump that many of us experience after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Or, it could be the fact that we make New Year’s resolutions that we fail to keep up with. Some people feel that the minimal amount of daylight during December and January affects their winter moods. It could be a combination of all of those things.
Whichever the case is for you, an article posted recently on WrenKitchens.com provides information on foods which will help boost your winter moods, and recipes to go along with that info. Swapping in some of these foods and recipes into your daily diet could really help.
However, there is also this cautionary quote from the article: “It’s also important to mention that while opting for these foods might help you get through gloomy January days, your overall mood can be influenced by lots of different factors, from stress and sleeping habits to genetics, mental health issues and more. If you’re having a tough time with your mental health, food swaps might help with some symptoms, but it’s important to reach out and get support if you’re struggling.”
Here we go with the 7 foods to help boost your winter moods! Bon appetit!
Let’s be friends! 👍 Follow us on all social media platforms:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kklz963
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kklz963/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kklz963/
Larry Martino is the long-time Afternoon Drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
1) Oats
Oats and oatmeal are a great way to start your day. They are loaded with fiber, which help slows digestion to keep your energy levels more stable throughout your day. Oats also contain lots of iron. An iron deficiency could cause you to feel sluggish, tired, and more irritable.
2) Turkey
Well, I guess turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners anymore. By now we all know that turkey contains tryptophan, which I heard makes you feel tired and sleepy after those big holiday dinners. While true, that amino acid helps create serotonin in your body, which causes you to relax, helps to reduce anxiety, and helps fight depression symptoms. Who knew?
3) Tuna
I happen to love eating fish nowadays, but I sure didn’t as a child or teenager. Not everyone loves fish, but if you can find a way to enjoy tuna, especially yellowfin tuna, then you’ll be helping your body and brain in a big way. This fish contains selenium, an essential mineral your body needs for many things, including fighting infections. Halibut and sardines are also a good source of selenium.
4) Salmon
Fatty fish like salmon are a great source of Omega-3 acids, which experts agree lead to lower levels of depression. There is more research being done, but there are already studies which support this theory from the National Library of Medicine.
5) Dark Leafy Greens
Vegetarians and vegans will love to know this: enjoying dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, chicory, and chard provides your body with a whole bunch of essential nutrients. Per the WrenKitchens.com article, these veggies “are a great source of fiber, folate, and carotenoids, as well as being packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins C and K.”
6) Almonds
Do you love having a crunchy snack in the afternoons or late night? Forget that bag of chips or pretzels, and eat almonds! They are a great source of plant-based proteins, healthy fats, fiber, and tryptophan. Plus, they’re loaded with magnesium, which helps promote sleep and a stable attitude throughout your day.
7) Dark Chocolate
Finally, here’s a food that just about everyone can agree on…CHOCOLATE! According to the WrenKitchens.com article: “Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which help to boost brain health and support blood flow to the brain, as well as phenylethylamine (PEA), which has been linked to improved moods.” They advise enjoying dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate if you can, since the latter contains lots of fat and sugar.
