14 Foods To Help Beat The Winter Blues

With the coming of winter you may find yourself sadder than normal, but these foods can help keep you happy.

1. Protein

Via jewishjournal.com

Focus on turkey, chicken, fish and eggs. Tofu, beans, avocados and nuts are all good vegetarian alternatives.

2. Green Tea

Via deltalabsusa.com

Green tea, of all flavors, will help relax your body and stimulate your brain waves.

3. Bananas

Bananas help stimulate serotonin, the neurotransmitter in your brain that triggers happiness.

4. Pineapples

Via secretmenuholic.com

If bananas aren't your thing, pineapples can also help trigger the "happy-mood."

5. Dark Chocolate

Via marksdailyapple.com

The cocoa in the chocolate helps increase serotonin levels. The trick is to eat dark chocolate in moderation so that you do not crash later on.

6. Spinach

Via recipes.wikia.com

Although spinach might not give you Popeye's super-strength, it is proven to improve your mood.

7. Berries

Via biokineticspt.com

Berries, which are rich in Vitamin C, help reduce stress and anxiety.

8. Hot Sauce

Via www2.costco.com

The pain you feel on your tongue after eating hot sauce releases endorphins which can improve your mood. The hotter the hot sauce the more endorphins will be released.

9. Guacamole

Via thedish.restaurant.com

Technically it is the avocado and tomatoes in this appetizer that will help make you happier. Avocados are high in protein, and tomatoes are a good source of serotonin.

10. Cheddar Cheese

Via boarshead.com

Cheddar cheese can help your body produce more serotonin. Don't like eating just cheese? Make broccoli and cheddar cheese soup, as broccoli is also proven to help boost your mood.

11. Mushrooms

Via wordpress.com

The lack of sunlight during the winter is linked to a deficit in Vitamin D. Luckily enough, mushrooms, specifically mushrooms exposed to UV-light, are high in Vitamin D.

12. Walnuts

Via atlantablackstar.com

High in Omega-3 fats, these nuts are proven to help fight the risk of depression.

13. Honey

Via thepathfinderstore.com

Honey is said to help mental health by relaxing the body. It helps fight insomnia and depression.

14. Greek Yogurt

Via peerfit.com

Calcium can help reboot your brain by releasing serotonin.

These are just a few foods to help boost your mood during the gloomy winter days. Avoiding an excess of caffeine, alcohol, white rice, and white bread can also help improve your mood. Go forth and enjoy!