Collaborative Post¦ Ideally, after a good night’s sleep, you should wake up feeling rejuvenated and excited for the day ahead. Sadly, it’s not like that for everyone. 61% of women and 49% of men report feeling exhausted immediately after waking up. The fatigue impacts their mood and the rest of the day. Many adults have experienced these dark mornings. However, it’s not all gloomy, especially because some foods are known to boost moods. The list below discusses a few.
- Smoked salmon
This cold-water fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids with immense anti-inflammatory benefits. Nutritionists say it has significant minerals that aid brain development in all age groups. Salmon also affects serotonin, the hormone responsible for regulating moods and supporting other bodily functions. Also, smoked salmon helps reduce high triglyceride levels in the body.
This cold-water fish is versatile and can be cooked in many different ways. More importantly, it can be eaten at any time of the day, making it ideal for breakfast. Add a few slices of smoked salmon to your breakfast toast, and the effects can be immediate since omega-3 fatty acids have a quick effect on the brain. Consequently, you’ll start to feel better in no time.
- Tea
Tea contains three different flavonoids that are beneficial to the body. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring plant compounds that bind to human cells and provide immense health benefits. One such benefit is improving your mood by reducing stress and eliminating irritability. So if you love tea, making the perfect brew in the morning can give you as much as 172 mg of flavonoids. Hopefully, this would be easy, especially because the UK is a tea-loving nation.
- 100% whole-grain bread
This is whole wheat bread with no white flour mixed into it before baking. Whole-wheat bread is rich in fibre, proteins, and B Vitamins, which are good for brain health and, in effect, mood regulation. The dietary fibre and B vitamins in whole-grain bread create an energy store that influences serotonin production.
Research has also shown that whole-wheat bread releases carbohydrates slowly, ensuring prolonged energy production throughout the day. It works in contrast to white bread, which releases energy quicker and burns out in no time. Adding two or three slices of whole-wheat bread to your breakfast will energise and positively impact your mood.
- Raspberries and blueberries
One thing you want from your morning food is for it to stabilise glucose levels in the body. Medical research has proven that unstable blood sugar levels contribute to irritability, anxiety and unexplained stress. After waking up in the morning, your blood sugar may be high or low, depending on the state of your health.
However, the most important thing is to consume something that stabilises it. That is where raspberries and blueberries come into the picture. These fruits are packed with fibre and are known to possess mood-boosting properties. Additionally, the flavonoids they contain have mood-boosting properties. So, throw some blueberries or raspberries in your cereal or porridge in the morning to get yourself in a good mood.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.