Today’s Health Tip ~ Are You a Stress Eater?

Here are 5 foods to improve your mood and help with stress eating

1. Spinach – Spinach is an excellent source of folic acid (also called folate). This is a B vitamin sometimes used to treat depression. It causes a “feel-good” chemical called serotonin to be released.

2. Oatmeal – High fiber carbs like oatmeal stabilize blood sugar, and take a while to move through your system, making you feel full longer.

3. Foods with Vitamin D – Getting your daily dose of vitamin D is important for your attitude. Low vitamin D levels are linked to depression and other mood disorders. You can get this from getting direct exposure to the sun for five to 20 minutes daily.

4. Bananas – The only fruit on this list, bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan. Your body uses tryptophan to produce 5-HTP, the compound that makes serotonin and melatonin, two mood and sleep-regulating neurotransmitters. Bananas also contain magnesium, which further increases sleepiness, making them a great bedtime or midnight snack.

5. Chocolate – Eating chocolate releases serotonin. Chocolate promotes relaxation through the release of endorphins. Endorphins are “feel good” chemicals also produced after hard, aerobic exercise. Chocolate may improve blood flow to the heart and brain, thus improving concentration, due to the antioxidants it contains.

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