9 Quick Snacks That Give You an Instant Mood Boost
Our idea of the perfect snack: delicious, healthy and doesn’t require a culinary degree to prepare. The following nine recipes fit the bill, plus they all contain ingredients that are scientifically proven to boost your mood. Total win.
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Spinach Balls
In addition to being a great source of zinc and fiber, this leafy green contains folate, a B vitamin. Per the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, folate deficiency is often linked to lower serotonin synthesis and depression. Store a batch of these in the freezer, then pop a few in the toaster oven whenever you’re feeling hungry.
Healthy Breakfast Cookies
Bananas, like the ones in these delicious little bites, are a triple threat where mood-boosting powers are concerned. Bananas contain potassium, which improves brain function; vitamin B6, which increases serotonin to calm the body; and tryptophan, an amino acid that regulates mood. So yes, it’s totally fine to eat (certain) cookies, like, all the time.
Lemon Rosemary Popcorn
Great news: Citrus is another excellent source of folate. Whether you’re into lemons, oranges, grapefruits or anything in between, expect a quick pick-me-up. Oh, and don’t toss the peel—sniffing citrus has been proven to reduce stress.
RELATED: 9 Secrets of Women Who Are Always in a Good Mood
Sweet Potato Chips
According to a study by MIT, carbohydrate consumption increases serotonin release. Add that to these orange beauties’ other benefits (they’re a great source of vitamins A and C, among tons of other nutrients) and they’re basically required eating. Plus, we’ll let you in on a secret: These guys are made in the microwave.
Green Berry Smoothie
On top of the folate in the spinach (see above), this pretty smoothie is loaded with berries—many of which, according to research at the University of Kansas, contain a purple pigment called anthocyanin, which acts as a mood enhancer.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Bars
These vegan, no-bake bars only require five ingredients, one of which is chia seeds. Chia seeds contain the amino acid tryptophan, which, in addition to regulating appetite and improving sleep quality, regulates mood.
RELATED: 7 Ways to Wake Up in a Better Mood
Avocado Deviled Eggs
Can we all agree avocados are pretty much the perfect food? Not only are they delicious, but they also boast an impressive combo of B vitamins and potassium—they increase serotonin levels and lower blood pressure, two things that keep you calm and collected.
Frozen Yogurt Covered Berries
We’ve already chatted about the many benefits of berries on your well-being, but this recipe also calls for yogurt, which regulates gut bacteria and affects your mood. So much so that in a TEDMED talk, neuroscience professor John Cryan said, “Your state of mind might be dependent on your state of gut.”
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
It’s a proven fact that regular hummus is delicious, but the RRP takes it to the next level. Plus, red peppers are high in vitamin C, which, according to a study by the University of Ilorin in Nigeria, can help prevent the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.
