I don’t know about you, but when I’m having a bad day I always crave chocolate. You can imagine my joy when I learned that dark chocolate is actually healthy for you! (As if you needed another reason to love chocolate).
Did you know that just thinking about eating chocolate can put you in a better mood? It’s true! Eating (and thinking about) chocolate causes your brain to produce dopamine naturally. Dark chocolate also increases blood flow to your brain which in turn releases serotonin, a mood-enhancing chemical, immediately.
Even better, the iron and magnesium found in dark chocolate give you an energy boost. So next time you’re feeling down emotionally or drained physically, find some dark chocolate and don't feel guilty for indulging a little.
The connection between your gut and your overall health has gained a lot of attention in the health and fitness world recently - and for good reason. Having a healthy gut helps your body feel good by generating dopamine and serotonin. So how can greek yogurt help with this? Greek yogurt is full of probiotics, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
In addition to the mood-lifting hormones and gut health, Greek yogurt can also help in weight loss and maintenance and just keep you overall healthy. 100% Greek yogurt makes a great snack and a healthy breakfast. Add some fruit or granola on top for a bit of variety. Your gut will thank you.
Bananas are such a versatile fruit! With an average of 422 milligrams of potassium, they help your nerves and muscles work properly and keep your heart beating regularly (pretty important!). Not only that, three different types of sugar contained in bananas- glucose, fructose, and sucrose- keep your blood sugar level from crashing.
Did you know that eating a banana can instantly improve your mood? You don’t think about eating a banana when you’re feeling down, but this fruit has been found to promote serotonin and dopamine production naturally. Eating bananas consistently benefits your body on so many levels!
It’s a well-known fact that nuts are excellent for weight loss and management. Their healthy fats and high levels of protein work to balance blood and sugar levels while keeping you satisfied. They keep your body healthy, but did you know they can also keep your brain happy and healthy?
Loss of appetite, weakened immune system, and symptoms of depression are all signs of a zinc deficiency. Cashews contain a high level of zinc, which can improve these troublesome symptoms. Other nuts like peanuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, and brazil nuts also promote the production of hormones that keep your brain happy and healthy.
If you’re not eating spinach consistently, you are missing out! If you find yourself with an unstable mood or symptoms of depression then you should consider putting more spinach in your diet. A magnesium deficiency, one of the causes of these unpleasant symptoms, can be remedied by this dynamite vegetable. The abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and tryptophan found in spinach will also help skyrocket your mood by producing more serotonin.
Next time you’re at the grocery store grab a bundle or two of spinach. Throw it in a smoothie, make a tasty salad, or saute it with some eggs- just eat more of it. Your mind and body will thank you!
Ok, I had to add a bonus food in here because it is so multifaceted and good for you. Besides making food taste amazing, garlic also has heaps of health benefits. Did you know that it can help prevent cancer? It’s true! Garlic induces detox liver enzymes that work to prevent cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-aging properties. Talk about a hardworking food!
Now, I’m not saying that these are the only foods you need to feel good and healthy. Your diet should be well-rounded with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrition-packed treats. But, if you want to feel your best, try including a few more of these foods in your diet and see what happens.
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