Eating Your Feelings: Mood Boost Salad
Eating Your Feelings
Our recipe for Mood Boost Salad features five foods scientifically proven to enhance your mood and make you feel better,* along with a lovely balance of flavors, colors and textures:
1. Spinach
This dark green leafy vegetable is a good source of folate, an essential B vitamin that’s needed to regulate the production of three "feel good" brain chemicals: dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.
2. Strawberries
Strawberries are rich in antioxidant vitamin C, which protects cells throughout the body from damage, including those in your brain. If you’re not eating enough vitamin C, eating more may help improve your mood and energy level.
3. Walnuts
Their vitamin E, magnesium and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids are a trifecta of nutrients for fighting inflammation and supporting brain-focused nutrition.
4. Avocados
Known for their high fiber content, avocados help build a community of healthy bacteria in your gut. That robust microbiome directly connects to and favorably influences the health of your brain.
5. Olive Oil
The polyphenols in olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, offer anti-inflammatory capabilities. Since the presence of inflammation can limit the body’s ability to produce serotonin, the benefit of reducing inflammation means more calming, “feel good” serotonin.
*The nutrients in these foods support positive mental health and well-being. Deficiencies may increase the risk of triggering depression and anxiety or negatively affect your ability to manage stress. Consuming more than what’s needed, however, doesn’t translate to a better mood or better mental health.
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