Most people think they have to take drastic measures to conquer depression … taking medication, seeing a therapist or other options that may be expensive or difficult. Those things may help, but you can also improve a dour mood with certain minerals and vitamins found in common foods. Increasing your intake of these foods may put you in a better mood without medication!

Including good mood foods in your diet (and your family’s) could make you feel healthier and happier. You definitely want to be feeling great whether you’re working on your classic car or going shopping for the day. Don’t miss out on life because you’re sad; just tweak your diet and enjoy the benefits.

Happy Meals

Not only is salmon great for your heart and chock-full of nutritious omega-3’s, it’s also linked to lower instances of depression. Maybe your bad mood is caused by a lack of minerals your body needs to feel good, so try some healthy grilled salmon for dinner. Kids and adults can benefit from a fishy lunch or supper.

Pasta gets a lot of flack for being a carbohydrate-rich food choice, but cutting out carbs completely can leave you lifeless. Add some pasta back into your life and enjoy the benefits of the carbs and their mood-lifting results. If you’re concerned about watching your weight, try whole-wheat pasta.

Chocolate Is Good For Me?

There is truly a reason people crave chocolate. The sweet stuff actually has benefits if you eat it in moderation and preferably stick to dark chocolate, which is good for your heart and your mood!

Try a couple of dark chocolate squares after dinner and don’t deprive yourself of something good for you. There’s also something in chocolate that eases menstrual cramps, so it’s all right to allow yourself a treat during your worst time of the month!

Blissful Breakfast

Start out your day with a meal high in happy vitamins. Eggs contain vitamin D, which has been shown to lift spirits, and fruit such as blackberries and blueberries along with bananas contain lots of healthy antioxidants. Pair this meal with yogurt for a shot of B-12 vitamins, and you’re starting the day with a smile!

Pack On Protein

Foods high in protein are perfect for keeping energy up and moods lifted. People that are depressed may need a bit more protein than others, so don’t hesitate when adding chicken, beans and legumes, peanuts, soy and other products full of protein to your healthy diet. A diet lacking in protein can make you feel sluggish, which may lead to feeling unmotivated and exhausted.

Popeye’s Secret

Iron-rich foods can make you feel more energetic and carry oxygen to your brain. The folate in the iron boosts serotonin, a hormone that your brain secretes that makes you feel happier. Spinach is full of iron. So are other foods including beans, tofu and green peppers. Lack of iron can make you anemic, and nothing is more depressing than the fatigue that comes along with that.

Guest Author Byline: This guest post was brought to you by Michelle, who enjoys blogging about healthy foods, and CJ Pony Ford Mustang Parts.