5 food swaps to boost your mood throughout the day

Start the day with salmon or other oily fish, which are full of DHA – an omega-3 fatty acid. Just a gram of fish oil a day has shown to decrease anxiety levels and problematic sleep patterns. DHA is a powerful anti-inflammatory, it can also be found to a lesser amount in eggs.

Mid morning munchies

If you can’t make it through until lunchtime nibble on Brazil nuts. These nuts are rich in selenium, studies have shown that people who have low selenium levels are more prone to depression, irritability ad anxiety.

Lunchtime super boost

Have a salad with fruit and vegetables, they are potent antioxidants and reduce inflammation in the body. Folate, a B vitamin found in beans, citrus and dark green vegetables affects neurotransmitters that influence mood.

Dinner

Eat early in the evening and add good carbs. Sweet potato and healthy carbs can boost serotonin levels, a feel-good chemical which also helps with a good night sleep.

Pudding treat.

Raw chocolate, chocolate is the food we most commonly reach for when we are feeling down. However raw cacao is full of mood boosting chemicals, phynylethylamine and anandamide give you a positive feeling without negative side effects. Eat a square or two of a raw chocolate bar for a dessert treat.