Foods to Eat for the Not-So-Good Days

Amy Taylor June 19, 2015

Feeling sleepy, stressed or worn out? Feeling depressed, irritated or anxious? Believe it or not, what you eat has a significant impact on your mood. And sometimes, what you put on your plate may actually save you from a bad day.

Below are great foods to indulge in during the not-so-good days.

Coffee for mental fuzziness.

Can’t focus at work? A nice warm booze may be a good idea. There’s a reason why we love to drink coffee in the morning and in the afternoon. Caffeine does have short-term effect on concentration and alertness. But be careful. Too much caffeine can cause the opposite effect, along with other problems like insomnia. Want to get the most out of coffee? Drink it before taking a 15-minute nap. Research shows caffeine enhances alertness and concentration more this way. Reason? Caffeine takes 20 minutes to kick in, so a power nap just after drinking coffee can help keep people alert.

Tea and hazelnuts for fatigue and depression.

Feeling depressed? A cup of hot green tea might give you the emotional warmth you need. Tea has always been associated with improved mood, relaxation and concentration. Tea consumption has also been linked to improved cognitive function. Green tea, in particular, is incredibly rich in antioxidants, including theanine which is responsible for its depression-fighting properties. Such compound is known for its anti-stress relaxation benefits. Another food to snack on when you are feeling gloomy is hazelnut. This delicious nut is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, as well as potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium which promote good mood.

Fish for lack of sleep.

Does lack of sleep making you feel grumpy and irritable? A serving of grilled salmon or tuna might help you get through the bad day. Fatty fish is a great source of omega-3 acids that works as a neurotransmitter responsible for maintaining mood balance. You can also find these healthy fats from avocado, flaxseed, and dark green veggies.

Dark chocolate for stress and anxiety.

The fats and sugar in chocolate may promote mood by increasing the serotonin and endorphin levels in your body. Plus, it has polyphenols too which is linked to better mood and clear thinking. Always opt for dark chocolates with 70 per cent cacao to ensure that you’re getting your desired benefits. But be cautious. It is easy to eat too much. Always watch your portion size.

Whole grains for quick pick-me-up.

Complex carbohydrates improve mood quickly. Not only do they make you feel good, they also benefit your body big time!

Protein when you’re feeling blah.

If you’re feeling blah or listless, opt for lean protein like turkey, pork and beef. Again, choose only the lean part. Not a fan of meat? Seafood is a great alternative. Yoghurt and dark leafy vegetables are also a great source of protein.