As someone that gets the blues more often that I would like too I have learnt all sorts of tricks to help lift my mood when feeling blue. Sometimes the quick fix of a bar of chocolate helps but usually it is a short term fix and leaves me feeling worse than before. A large plate of coloured food lifts the spirits.
I shall return to and update this post on a regualr basis.
My golden rules are
No sugar – evil stuff when feeling miserable, it just gives a short term boost and then a blood sugar crash leaving me feeling worse than before and craving even more sugar.
Low GI – slowly released sugars leads to stable blood sugar and a happier mood.
No (or at least less) caffeine – again this gives a temporary boost and then dehydrates me and drags me down again. Cutting caffeine out completely for a day will give my a headache so I cut down and have two small mugs of coffee, one first thing and one after lunch.
Omega 3s and more Omegas 3s – Some esearch has show Omega oils to be as efficient as a low dose of prozac or other antidepressent at lifting moods. They are abundant in oily fish which I love and also crave when having an attack of the blues. I also take fish oils every day. Vegetarian sources of Omega 3 include olive and rapeseed (called canola I the US). I have started using rapeseed oil for baking muffins rather than sunflower, I can’t taste any difference and am getting a good dose of healthy oils too. Tofu and flax seed are rich in omegas too.
Coloured fruit and vegetables – are brimming with antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamins, and look great on the plate, I find it a pleasure to eat a plate of bright food that looks and tastes wonderful. Dishes brimming with coloured fruit and vegetables include; aubergine lasagne & squash ribbon pasta.
Seeds – Are again full of vitamins and minerals and are a good source of healthy oils, I sprinkle them in cereal and porridge, toast and toss through rice, add to pasta sauces and sprout and put in salads.
With my efforts to eat more healthy coloured vegetables and fruit I usually end up eating less meat, which as much as I love it, does make me feel healthier and more energised.
The act of getting into the kitchen and cooking I find very relaxing and enjoyable and stops me dwelling on feeling blue.
Of course all these tips all contribute to a healthier diet anyway. Good Mood Food really helps me, but if you are suffering from something more than an attack of the blues please go and have a chat to your doctor rather then relying on just food to boost your spirits.
