Foods for Your Good Mood

Mood can be impacted by several things such as stress, hormones, and, at the top of the list, the foods we eat.

Food and your mood: low-nutrient dense foods (think sugary, white fluffy, low fibre, processed, high in unhealthy-fats types of foods) can put us in a really bad mood. Why? The quick spike in your blood sugar from eating junk foods high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can cause a surge in insulin, leading to a quick drop in blood sugar, which then leaves you feeling tired and cranky. Studies have also shown that high-salt foods/diets can cause fatigue in both adults and children.

Another big one? Alcohol. It's a depressant, so keep it on the under 4 drinks per week and skip it all-together in high stress and/or energy-challenging times.

Here are some of our top good-mood foods:

Avocados: avocados contain high levels of folate, and a deficiency in folate has been linked to depression. Their high antioxidant levels may also be protective against depression. We love combining avocado and spirulina in our Deep Green blends for a big folate dose.

Raspberries: raspberries are packed with fibre, which helps slow digestion and results in more stable blood sugars. Unstable blood sugar (sharp spikes and drops) has been linked to negative moods and irritability, which means stabilizing your glucose levels can help level out your emotional state.

Mood-Regulating Adaptogens: adaptogens (edible plants that have been shown to help the brain and body adapt in stressful situations) are high on our list for the combined mind & body support they give. Lion’s mane & chaga mushrooms are examples of adaptogens that have shown to help the body respond to stressful situations by functioning as a mood stabilizer and decrease symptoms of mild depression.

Chia Seeds: chia is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in brain health and mood regulation. They're also a good source of magnesium, a calming mineral that has been shown to help with sleep. Low levels of magnesium are linked to depression and anxiety. Upping your intake of chia can have positive effects on everything from anxiety to insomnia and PMS symptoms.

Bananas: bananas are high in vitamin B6, which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Combined with fibre (e.g., chia, spinach in your smoothies), the naturally occurring sugars in bananas are released slowly into your bloodstream, allowing for stable blood sugar levels and better mood control.

Bonus: they're packed into a ton of our blends to make it easy for you to get them in on the daily.

Stress-Busting

When stressed, your adrenal glands release the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can be the culprit of low energy, hormonal imbalance, weight gain, insomnia, digestive issues, immunity weakness, cognitive dysfunction, and more. When able to adapt to stress, we significantly reduce the negative impact it has on our bodies. Adaptogens help our bodies fight against stress by helping support our resistance to, and reduce the negative impacts from, physical and mental stress.

Here are some of our faves & the key benefits they’re touted for:

Ashwagandha: reducing stress & anxiety, boosting immunity, adrenal fatigue

Maca: hormone balance, adrenal function

Turmeric: inflammation reduction, brain function

Reishi: reducing stress & anxiety, boosting immunity, sleep quality

Cordyceps: boosting energy & stamina, adrenal function

Lion’s Mane: brain function, boosting energy