Are you feeling grumpy? Do you feel that you are getting irritated more than ever?
Let’s face it, sometimes life can be tough balancing personal life and managing work and mood swings can make us feel that life is too much of a challenge.
Well if you have started getting irritated over situations which always existed, it is necessary to take a look at the food and the drinks that you consume to understand if they are trashing your mood.
It is rightly said “You are what you eat”. If you are feeling tired, depressed, it is necessary to alter your eating habits to improve your mood.
Well known Nutritionist, Vasudha Sainik believes that the food you eat can have direct relation to your mood. The food that you eat can help to lift your spirits or can also be one of the causes of depression.
Read here a list of foods that you can eat when you are feeling cranky and not just quite yourself.
1. Chocolate
any individuals would agree that they move to chocolates when they feel depressed or sad. Vasudha Sainik says, “Chocolates raise the levels of feel good hormones endorphins and hence gives an immediate boost to your mood.”
2. Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables provide Vitamin B that produces neurotransmitter like serotonin in your brain. These neurotransmitters help in reducing stress levels and elevate the mood. Studies suggest that B vitamins such as folate, niacin or B6 have a big effect on energy, mood and memory.
Vasudha Sainik believes that green leafy vegetables are healthy and have a direct corelation with the mind and soul. The enjoyment attained from eating healthy food (green vegetables) helps to improve your mood.
3. 
Whole grains
Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates provide energy at a slow and steady rate and helps maintain the sugar levels. They also contain B vitamin, magnesium and zinc which helps to regulate your mood.
4.
Milk
Studies suggest that calcium can help to lift your mood. Milk contains calcium and tryptophan that is a precursor to serotonin, which is a feel good hormone and hence helps to relieve stress and makes you feel happier.
Vasudha Sainik adds, “Having a milk shake or a cold coffee acts a dessert and hence helps to alleviate your mood.”
5.
Banana
Banana is a simple fruit that contains potassium and Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps to convert the phenylalanine to mood enhancing Dopamine.
Vasudha Sainik says, “Fruits like banana and custard apple contain high glucose levels. A spike in the sugar level in the body gives a feel good factor and improves your mood.”
6. Walnuts
Walnuts are great brain food and can help you feel smarter. They are full of omega 3 fatty acids which help to reduce your stress levels and feel more upbeat.
7. Green Tea
If you normally turn to tea or coffee to give you energy to work through the end of the day, try switching to green tea. Green Tea contains a substance called Thenine which boosts dopamine and serotonin in our system this reduces stress and helps us feel happier.
8. 
Seafood
Fish have a high level of Omega 3 fatty acids which helps to fight depression. Eating fish increases the serotonin levels and the zinc present in the fish enhances the brains receptiveness to the neuro transmitters. Studies suggest that fatty fish like Salmon herring and sardine are very helpful to lift your mood.
Vasudha Sainik suggests, “Sea food is high in cholesterol and hence should be consumed occasionally. Eating a variety of colored fruits and vegetables like berries, grapes, raisins, directly helps to improve your mood.”
Having a regular healthy diet balanced with foods that are rich in fiber, proteins, unsaturated fats and antioxidants can provide numerous benefits, which include improving your mood.
And of course, along with a good diet adding exercise to your daily routine may provide an immediate mood boost for people suffering from frequent mood swings.
Eat healthy and be happy!
