Eat The Rainbow
I find nutrition quiet interesting, learning how food effects us . Especially now through the changing seasons, how body can lack energy as we often become less motivated.
@TranquilLavenderFields It's really interesting how some people are affected by the seasons change. I knowingly am seasonally affected. I try to exercise and try to get a good amount of vitamin d in my system to help. I come from a family history of osteroporosis and R.A.so it's important for me to watch for certain vitamins like D, B6,B12 and calcium!
Yes, Vitamin D is something we get Naturally from sunlight.. And with the Fall/Winter months approaching (or rather already here), it brings less Sunlight, and lack of motivation and goals, and also disorders such as "Seasonal Affective Disorder" otherwise known as "SAD". Its definitely important to find other ways, or foods in where you could possibly find it.
Whole Grains and Complex Carbs: such as oatmeal or a complex carbohydrate like brown rice. These dense carbohydrates have been found to increase serotonin levels in the brain.
Dark Leafy Greens: since dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, chard and broccoli are rich sources of folate and vitamin B12, which have also been found to boost serotonin levels.
Fish: Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to fight depression by boosting production of dopamine and serotonin, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and anchovies are loaded with omega-3's. As a bonus, these fatty fish are also great sources of vitamin D
Dark Chocolate: Studies have shown that eating an ounce-and-a-half of dark chocolate each day, for a two-month period can cause a reduction in stress-causing hormones, thanks to antioxidants called flavonoids.in order to gain these benefits, chocolate must contain at least 75 percent cocoa. And unsweetened chocolate is best—eating a lot of sugar will temporarily elevate your blood sugar, but will inevitably result in a mood crash.
Avocados: full of mood-enhancing folate, calming tryptophan and, as an added bonus, energy-boosting vitamin B6.
Sweet Potatoes: a smarter side dish choice than standard potatoes at this time of year. Chocked full of folate, sweet potatoes are far better at maintaining a steady blood-sugar level than standard spuds, thus preventing that run-down feeling brought on by low blood sugar.
Walnuts, Brazil Nuts and Flax Seeds: Flax seeds and walnuts are both high in omega-3's, while Brazil nuts are loaded with selenium. Why is this important? Research has shown a connection between low selenium levels and depression, making Brazil nuts a prefect wintertime snack.
Eggs: Eggs contain high levels of zinc, a mineral that is effective in moderating blood-sugar levels and regulating the metabolism, which can combat seasonal feelings of fatigue by increasing energy.
Turkey: The drowsiness you feel after indulging in Thanksgiving dinner is due to the chemical tryptophan, which, along with the sleepy sensation, has been found to play a role in combatting SAD by inducing a sense of calmness and relaxation. Tryptophan may even play a role in more effectively converting vitamin D to serotonin. You may want go easy on the stuffing though, since one of the symptoms of SAD is an increased craving for carbs.
Bananas: Bananas are loaded with tryptophan and B6. In addition, stress will deplete your bodys potassium reserves, and the potassium found in a banana can provide a boost that can actually lower stress.
Milk and Yogurt: Known as the sunshine vitamin," milk is loaded with SAD-busting vitamin D. Yogurt is also high in protein and calcium, which can ease anxiety and mood swings.