Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
What To Eat When You're Feeling Low
When we feel low, what we eat can have a tremendous impact. Some foods make us feel worse, while others improve our mood considerably.
The purpose of this post is to point you in the direction of foods that will help you feel better. While these tactics are no substitute for proper mental health treatment, they can make a difference in your general quality of life.
A hearty bowl of oatmeal can help keep your brain healthy
Consume More Complex Carbs
Eating more complex carbs can have a tremendous effect on how you feel. Eliminating fast-acting sugars and refined grains reduces inflammation in the brain and helps you avoid those annoying energy spikes that seem to dominate the day.
Good options include whole grains, brown rice, and beans. If you’re really susceptible to sugar spikes but don’t want to eliminate carbs entirely, try lentils. These tiny pulses have among the lowest glycemic index of any carbohydrate-containing foods outside of green vegetables.
Eat Fatty Fish
Fatty fish might also be a good option if you’re feeling low. Certain fish species, like sardines, are high in omega-3s which researchers link to improved brain and overall mental health. Many people find that eating these oils in larger quantities helps with depression and anxiety.
Nuts and seeds can boost a mood
Eat Nuts And Seeds
Nuts and seeds should be consumed for a similar reason. Chia, walnuts, and flax also contain vast quantities of omega-3 acids which improve mood and energy levels.
What’s more, nuts and seeds have a satiating quality. Consuming a handful in the morning encourages you to eat less and it may lead to a slimmer waistline, despite the fat content.
Lemons add a delicious flavor to plain water
Drink Water
Drinking more water might also be a good strategy when you are feeling low. Dehydration can adversely affect how you feel, making you feel less alert and engaged with what’s happening around you. More water reduces the risk of brain fog, headaches, and fatigue, making everything else more manageable.
See our quick trick on how to flavor water using herbs and fruit in our short video below or via our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
Ginger root and turmeric spices
Consume Or Cook With Spices
Strange as it may sound, spices are another great food to consume if you are feeling low. Nature’s pharmaceuticals contain thousands of potentially beneficial compounds to improve your mood.
For example, most spices are anti-inflammatory. Turmeric, ginger, oregano, and cumin contain chemicals that powerfully tamp down inflammation in the body, leading to a noticeable improvement in mood if this is the problem.
You can also try consuming so-called “adaptogens,” which are foods that return the body to a state of balance. Ashwagandha is an excellent example. You may notice that you feel more at ease after just a teaspoon.
Cooking and eating with friends can be a happy event
Eat With Friends
You can also get out of a low mood by eating with friends. Having a conversation over dinner is one of the best ways to get out of yourself. Other people can provide you with emotional support and a sense of community.
Dark chocolate can boost a sour mood
Consume Dark Chocolate
More good news: dark chocolate can also boost your mood when you’re feeling low. It contains special compounds that interact favorably with neurotransmitters in the brain, changing how you feel, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Don’t eat sugary milk chocolate, though. Ensure the products you choose are 70% dark chocolate or higher to avoid making yourself feel even worse!
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Carolyn J. (C.J.) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.