Friday Five: Good Mood Food

Early February in New Jersey finds us hiding out under the covers a little longer, warming up with a hot mug of tea or coffee, and a little low on energy to be really alive and/or active.  Anyone feeling the same way?

raw chocolate macaroons..do you feel the love?

Me too.  It's normal, this winter season tells us to stay warm, bundle up, hang out and get cozy.  Rest and recover, save your energy for when spring arrives, Peeps come out, and we will be ready to go and move. 

This 'hibernating' effect is truly happening right under my nose.  Somehow Joe talked me into getting Netflix and this Roku device for our TV, so we could watch even more movies and Ted Talks (wow, some great stuff).  It's been a lot of fun, but I'm not one to sit very long, so I've had to force myself to settle down, chill out and 'veg' on the coach.  Plant yourself, please. 

With all this hanging out at home, you might find yourself becoming a little 'Debbie Downer' or down in the dumps, maybe dealing with some seasonal affective disorder.  We are missing the days of warm temperatures and sunshine. Again, all totally normal. Any of my Florida friends want company? I'm dying to get out of this cold!

 During the winter months, it's important to continue to eat a balanced diet and understand the connection between mood and food.  Certain foods can actually help improve your mood, and are beneficial to your health and wellness goals.  Give them a try and see how you feel. 

Here are a quick list of 5 foods to help you heal from the inside out.  Happy munching!

1.  Peppers: these veggies are packed with Vitamin C which can inhibit the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

2.  Walnuts: a handful a day has been linked to heart health and weight control.  Can also boost levels of serotonin, a hormone that increases feelings of well-being. 

3.  Chickpeas: Just a half a cup of these legumes supplies 141mg of folate, a type of B vitamin necessary for the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure. 

4.  Avocado: Stress depletes stores of B vitamins-essential for the creation of seretonin.  Avocados are an excellent source of not only B vitamins but also potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. 

5. Sunflower Seeds: A magnesium deficiency can slow dopamine production, leaving you feeling frazzled. To stay on a even keel, take in 320mg of the mineral daily; these seeds provide 91mg per 1-ounce serving. 

Hopes these 'Friday Five: Mood Food' ideas help you stay crunching and munching on healthy treats and enjoy the rest of the winter season. 

And as for our friend winter storm Nemo...I'm cozy and ready for what you have to say.  Bring it!

Stay safe everyone and have a great weekend!