Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick way to boost your mood, food is the way to go. And not just any food will do. Certain foods are proven to have a positive effect on your mental health and happiness levels. Here are six of them:

Chocolate

Chocolate is a mood booster. It’s proven to release the chemical called phenylethylamine, which in turn releases dopamine—a neurotransmitter that helps you feel happy and relaxed. This is why chocolate is so good for your happy feelings (and why it’s often served as dessert).

Chocolate also contains magnesium, an essential mineral that helps with stress levels. Magnesium has been shown to lower anxiety and depression symptoms in studies both at home and abroad.

Coffee

If you’re looking for instant mood improvement, coffee has got your back. And not just any old cup of joe—coffee made with a little extra oomph.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can improve mood and concentration, according to researchers at the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business. It’s found in many types of beverages (tea, soda and even chocolate) but differs from other ingredients like sugar or artificial sweeteners in one key way: The more caffeine there is in your beverage, the stronger its effects will be on your mental state.

The amount of caffeine per serving depends on what type you drink: The average cup contains about 100 milligrams; 1 teaspoonful (5 grams) has about 40 milligrams; 2 teaspoonsfuls have about 80 milligrams; 4 teaspoonsfuls have 120 milligrams…and so on up until 8 cups!

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, protein and other nutrients. It can help you feel full for longer than many other foods and it’s low in calories. Oatmeal is also an excellent choice for breakfast because it provides a quick source of energy that will keep you going until lunch time!

Oats are also easy to prepare in your own kitchen with just a few simple ingredients (no cooking required). You simply add water or milk, let them boil until soft, then serve them up with some toppings if desired! Or if you prefer something more filling than plain oatmeal try adding nuts or fruit into the mix before serving up hot cereal instead – either way there’s no wrong way when making yourself some healthy breakfast goodness at home 🙂

Tofu (soy)

Tofu (soy) is a great source of protein, which helps to keep your body healthy. People who eat more tofu have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. It contains phytoestrogens, which may help to protect against breast cancer.

Tofu has many other benefits as well: it’s high in calcium, magnesium and iron; it also contains large amounts of vitamin B12 – an essential nutrient that most people don’t get enough of on their own!

Bananas & avocado

Bananas and avocados are high in serotonin, which makes them the perfect food to help you feel happier. Serotonin is known as the “happy hormone,” and it’s released by your brain when you’re happy. Eating bananas or avocados on their own will give you a boost of serotonin, but they also make great additions to smoothies that can help boost your mood even more!

Fish, especially salmon, cod and tuna

Fish, especially salmon, cod and tuna are all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omegas are polyunsaturated fats that help your body function properly. They’re also known to lower cholesterol levels while improving heart health and reducing inflammation in the body. Their benefits extend beyond just improving your mood—omega-3s can help you lose weight if you consume them regularly!

Salmon: One 4oz serving contains about 18 grams of protein (more than chicken breast) with only 34 calories per serving! Salmon is also high in vitamin D which helps regulate moods through its role in bone growth and development as well as regulating cortisol levels which can play a role in depression symptoms such as fatigue or sadness.*

You can eat your way to happiness.

It’s not just what you eat, but also how you feel about it that can make a difference in your mood. Certain foods are known to make people feel happier, like chocolate or wine. If those aren’t options for you (or if they’re too expensive), try some of these other options:

• Bananas: They contain tryptophan—a protein that helps the brain produce serotonin, which is responsible for feelings of well-being and relaxation. Eating a banana before bedtime will help give you sweet dreams!
  
• Apples: They’re packed full of vitamin C and other antioxidants that help fight off free radicals, which cause inflammation throughout the body; this inflammation plays an important role in many chronic illnesses including heart disease and cancer
  

Conclusion

We hope you have enjoyed reading about these delicious and easy ways to boost your mood. You can even mix and match the foods we’ve discussed here, so don’t be afraid to experiment with various combinations of ingredients from different categories. While some people may worry about getting enough protein in their diet, we think that it is important to include an ample amount of sources like eggs, beans or nuts in order to keep up strength levels during stressful periods.