Beat the Winter Blues: Try These Superfoods | Geddy’s
Dark days and bitter temperatures of winter can often trigger seasonal sadness, or the winter blues, especially in states like Maine. So, how do you combat those winter doldrums? Keep active, stay social, shine bright lights (light therapy), and eat healthy.
Yes, a healthy balanced diet of vegetables, lean animal protein, fruit (in moderation), nuts and whole grains, can help to regulate your mood and to boost your level of Serotonin, the happy chemical. Superfoods are high in Vitamins B, C, D, E and Omega 3, among other nutrients, and play a key role in fighting seasonal depression. According to nutritional experts, these foods help to alleviate the winter blues and to improve your spirits:
Fruits and Vegetables – High in Vitamin C
Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, and clams, serves as a powerful antioxidant, which is vital to the body’s healing process. Vitamin C is also high in healthy carbohydrates and fibers. It is also linked to the mood boosting brain chemical, Serotonin, which contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.
TIP: Calm your mood with a bowl of steamed clams or a slice of blueberry pie.
Nuts, Seeds, Beans and Vegetable Oils – High in Vitamin E
Foods high in Vitamin E include vegetable oils, margarine, wheat germ, fortified cereals, beans, nuts and seeds. Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps to protect cells, tissues, and organs. It also fuels your body.
TIP: Energize your day with a handful of peanuts or a hubcap of veggie nachos with beans.
Mushrooms – High in Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the top superpower ingredients for tackling the winter blues and alleviating depression. In addition to mushrooms, Vitamin D is in salmon, tuna, milk, fortified cereals, eggs, beef liver, and pork. It is naturally manufactured by the body with exposure to the sun but can be absorbed into the body through diet.
TIP: Boost your spirits with a mushroom pizza or a glass of milk.
Dark Leafy Vegetables – High in Vitamin B-12
A Mediterranean diet is high in Vitamin B-12, which is in dark leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, arugula and mustard greens. Other foods rich in Vitamin B-12 include nuts, fruits, lean and low-fat animal products, fish, lobster, and low-fat dairy products. Vitamin B-12 helps the body to process and to absorb proteins. It is believed to reduce symptoms of depression.
TIP: Reduce the winter blues with a side of dark leafy greens or a steamed lobster.
Oily Fish – High in Omega 3 Fats
Omega 3 has tremendous health benefits, including fighting depression and anxiety. Foods rich in Omega 3 include walnuts, flax seeds, mussels, salmon, trout, John Dory, cod, snapper, and canned tuna and sardines.
TIP: Improve your mental health with grilled salmon or steamed mussels.
Turmeric – High in Curcumin
Turmeric is a Southeast Asian spice, which is in the ginger family. It may possess a wide range of healing properties and is found in curry, among other dishes. Turmeric may even decrease symptoms of depression.
TIP: Pick-up your spirits with a curry dish or a cup of hot Turmeric tea.
Green Tea – High in Epigallocatechin Gallate
Green Tea has many health benefits, including treating emotional imbalances and alleviating stress and depression.
TIP: Boost your mental wellbeing by drinking several cups of hot green tea daily.
Eggs – High in Tryptophan
Tryptophan, found in healthy proteins, may help produce amino acids or Serotonin, which clears the mind, boosts energy, and contributes to feelings of happiness. Foods with Tryptophan include eggs, cheese, yogurt, milk, soy products, beans, tofu, nuts, fish, lobster, lean beef, chicken, turkey and bananas. Proteins should be eaten several times throughout the day.
TIP: Improve your mood with a poached egg on toast for breakfast, a lobster roll for lunch, and a hamburger for dinner.
Don’t feel like cooking? Then, come escape the winter doldrums at Geddy’s on February 28th, when we reopen for the Season. Let us prepare those healthy meals for you … and brighten-up your spirits. Be happy!
Cheers from Geddy’s,:)
Heather
www.geddys.com
