The start of a new school year always calls for some readjusting. Whether it’s your sleep schedule, your homework habits, or your daily diet, maintaining an all-around healthy lifestyle is super-important. In this stress-incubator that we call college, it’s easy to get bogged down both mentally and physically. A balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, fruits and veggies with limits on sugar and fat will always help you feel good. But for those days when you need an extra boost, there are some awesome and accessible “mood foods” out there – foods that help keep both your body and brain feeling good to go.
1. Salmon
Salmon (and other fish) is chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids. Among other things, omega-3 is known to boost heart health and prevent obesity. Your body also uses omega-3 to help the building of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin plays a big role in mood-regulation, so swapping out that sandwich at the C-Store for some NU Sushi salmon rolls could keep you smiling all the way through writing that midterm paper!
2. Milk
Those celebs in the “Got milk?” ads aren’t only smiling for the camera – milk is full of both calcium and tryptophan. Calcium promotes healthy bones and tryptophan contributes to the production of serotonin, which could elevate your mood! Milkshakes at Fran’s anyone?
3. Dark Chocolate
First of all, yum. If you’re a fan of chocolate, you’re already doing yourself a favor with this treat. Chocolate’s effect on your brain’s pleasure center alone will give you a huge boost! Dark chocolate offers your body a helping of polyphenols, which contribute to higher levels of cognitive function, making it a great study snack! Chocolate also supplies you with phenylethylamines, which release endorphins in the brain to promote happy feelings.
4. Brazil Nuts
Pour some of these in a bowl and snack away as you finish up your problem sets! Brazil nuts are rich in magnesium, vitamin B, and zinc. Brazil nuts also have a ton of selenium, which plays a major role in maintaining a good mood!
5. Kale
Not only is Kale a healthy snack, it is also extremely rich in minerals like magnesium. Magnesium has been found to have some relaxing and calming effects, so if you’re getting nervous about that presentation, try incorporating some of these leafy greens into your diet. Kale is great as part of a salad, drizzled with olive oil and sea salt and baked into chips, or even mixed into a fruit smoothie!
If you feel yourself on the brink of a burnout, give yourself a food facelift! Sophomore Lauren Stremmel attests to the benefits of mood foods, explaining, “I definitely think that certain foods can have an effect on your mood….I notice a higher energy level throughout the day when I eat foods that are rich in minerals, especially produce.” So, whether you’re craving something salty or sweet, remember that you can satisfy both your stomach and your mind with your next snack!