8 Foods That Will Ward Off The Winter Blues
Up to 25% of people are clinically affected by the winter blues, meaning they are sick enough to seek medical attention for their symptoms. In addition to those who are diagnosed with seasonal depressive disorders such as winter depression and seasonal affective disorder, countless others experience mild depression and occasional blahs during the colder months when sunlight is scarce. Fortunately, there are things you can do to boost your mood. Getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet that includes the following depression-fighting foods will give you a mental pick-me-up.
1. Vitamin-Rich Fruits
Rich in vitamin C and other essential nutrients, fruits are nature’s candy and can alleviate your cravings for sugar when you’re feeling down. Fruits to include in your diet include apples, strawberries, pineapple, dates and bananas.
2. Fats and Essential Oils
Healthy fats such as those found in nuts, olive oil and canola oil are rich in omega-3, a substance your brain needs to work properly.
3. Foods with Vitamin D
One of the main causes of winter blues is the lack of sunlight during the winter months. Since the body needs the sun to absorb vitamin D, eating foods loaded with vitamin D can boost your mood. Vitamin D-rich foods include liver, salmon, tuna, milk and egg yolks.
4. Foods with Lots of B Vitamins
B vitamins give you a boost of energy, which can help fight depression. Foods containing B vitamins include spinach, blueberries, oatmeal and whole grains.
5. Protein-Rich Foods
Beans, peas, beef, fish, and yogurt are protein-rich foods that can boost your mental alertness and the levels of certain feel-good chemicals in the brain.
6. Antioxidants
Antioxidants help repair damaged cells, making them an essential part of any healthy diet. To increase the amount of antioxidants in your diet, turn to fruits and veggies such as grapefruit, apricots, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and peppers.
7. Smart Carbohydrates
Smart carbohydrates can put you in a calmer state of mind. Smart carbs include complex carbs such as fruits, vegetables and legumes.
8. Chocolate
Although you should eat it sparingly, a bite of chocolate can temporarily boost your mood. However, too much can lead to a sugar crash.
Just as there are foods you should be eating when you’re feeling down, there are foods that you should avoid when the winter blues come calling. One of the most important things you need when you feel depressed is sleep, so avoid foods that interfere with your sleep pattern such as caffeine and spicy foods that may cause indigestion.
