Foods That Soothe: Nourishing Your Way Through 5 Common Bad Moods

Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.’ – the words of the iconic French chef, Auguste Escoffier. It’s true: beyond the flavour, taste and aroma, our foods hold the power to shape our mood, concentration, and overall well-being. 

Sometimes life is a roller coaster of emotions, and we find ourselves caught in the clutches of stress, anxiety, or PMS. While these moods can be challenging, the good news is that nature’s larder is brimming with delightful solutions. 

So, buckle up, we’re going to explore five common bad moods and the nourishing foods that can help in overcoming them.

1. Stress

Stress! That sneaky little thing that loves to creep up on us, right? It arises from various pressures, clouds our clarity and saps our energy. It also affects sleep and overall well-being. 

Reach for a comforting bowl of oatmeal, brown rice or quinoa. These complex carbohydrates help in stabilising blood sugar levels and can have a calming effect on your mood. And let’s not forget about magnesium! Found in goodies like spinach and almonds, can help relax your muscles and nerves.

2. Anxiety

Feeling a bit on edge lately? Trust me, we’ve all been there. Anxiety can really throw a wrench in our day, making even the simplest tasks feel daunting. It can significantly affect the body, and long-term anxiety increases the risk of developing chronic physical conditions, increases the risk of heart disease in otherwise healthy people, and impairs the body’s natural immune response. 

But here’s a little tip from the wellness corner: add omega-3-rich foods to your meals. Think crunchy chia seeds, or a handful of walnuts as a snack. These goodies have this cool knack for dialling down anxiety levels. Oh, and if you’re a tea lover like me, a soothing cup of chamomile might just be your new best friend. And let’s not forget about zinc-packed treats; a handful of pumpkin seeds or some chickpea salad could be just the relaxation your nervous system needs. 

3. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)

Ah, the notorious PMS – a phase many women wish they could just hit the snooze button on! From mood swings playing havoc with our emotions to that annoying bloating feeling and the dreaded fatigue, it’s like a monthly obstacle course. 

But here’s a little secret from the food frontlines: there are some delicious allies in our kitchens! Think of diving into a bowl of creamy, low-fat yoghurt or crunching on fortified cereals to get that calcium and vitamin D boost. And for those leafy green lovers, kale and collard greens aren’t just Instagram-worthy; they’re PMS-fighting champions. But wait, there’s more! Ever thought of dark chocolate as a mood saviour? Yep, those antioxidant-packed berries and a square or two of dark chocolate can actually be your best pals, helping beat inflammation and lifting that mood. 

4. Fatigue

Feeling drained and struggling with fatigue? It’s a common hurdle many of us face, making daily tasks feel like an uphill battle. But there’s hope in your kitchen! Lean proteins like chicken, tofu, and lentils as your go-to energy boosters. They’re not only delicious but provide the sustained energy your body craves. And let’s not forget about our B vitamins found in whole grains, eggs, and nuts. These foods are key players in helping your body efficiently convert what you eat into usable energy, giving fatigue a run for its money. 

5. Irritability

Feeling easily irritated or unsettled can be a sign that your body needs some extra TLC. When we find ourselves snapping at the smallest things or feeling constantly on edge, it’s our body’s way of waving a red flag. Perhaps it’s a hint to slow down, reassess our priorities, or simply take a moment to breathe.

Focus on foods that support serotonin production, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Incorporate complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, whole grains, and bananas into your diet. Additionally, foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, can help regulate mood and promote a sense of well-being.

Navigating through various moods and emotions is a part of the human experience, and having the right tools in your nutritional toolkit can make a world of difference. By incorporating these nourishing foods into your diet, you can navigate through stress, anxiety, PMS, fatigue, and irritability.

Here’s to nourishing your way through life’s ups and downs, one delicious bite at a time! Cheers from all of us at Origin!