Feeling depressed? Add these ultimate happy foods to your diet to support healthy brain function, uplift your mood, and keep your spirits high.

A nutrient-rich diet filled with vegetables, fruits, protein, fiber, and healthy fats can do wonders. It provides you with essential nutrients, fills you up, controls your waistline, and wards off symptoms of anxiety. If truth be told, following a healthy diet plan is the best way to improve your mental health and physical health both.

Just like eating processed and junk foods can have adverse effects on your health, eating certain superfoods can influence your mood and improve wellbeing. Many clinical studies prove that eating the right nutrients is good for your mental health and keep a bad mood at bay. Another research shows that healthy eaters showed fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who followed a diet filled with processed foods, salty snacks, and sweets.

Thanks to nature, there are many nutritious foods that can stimulate your feel-good hormones and uplift your mood. Here I have listed some mood boosting foods as well as recipe ideas to help ease anxiety, make you feel your best, and bring a smile to your face. 😊

1. Salmon

Oily fish is a mood boosting food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can improve your brain health and keep your brain cells flexible. Omega-3 fatty acids deficiency can lead to mental health problems and mood disorders. It stimulates the release of two important brain chemicals, serotonin, and dopamine that can reduce the symptoms of depression and improve mental health. Fatty fishes such as salmon contain an important compound called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that is accountable for the optimal functioning of the central nervous system. So, get a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids by consuming fatty fishes, including tuna, mackerel, and herring.

• Roast side of salmon with chermoula
• Broiled Salmon
• Smoked salmon & lemon risotto
• Baked salmon
• Creamy garlic, lemon & spinach salmon
• Maple Bacon Salmon
• Lemony Grilled Salmon
• One-pan salmon with roast asparagus
• Blackened Salmon Tacos
• Creamy Coconut Lime Salmon
• Salmon & purple sprouting broccoli grain bowl

2. Oats

Oats are one of the most effective mood boosting foods due to their high fiber content and low glycemic index. They have the amazing ability to slowly release energy into the bloodstream while keeping the blood sugar levels stable. Oats contain powerful mood boosting mineral selenium that can keep your mood stable. Give your morning a healthy start with a bowl of oats. You can add nuts, honey, yogurt, and your favorite fruits to enhance its nutritional value.

Here are some healthy oatmeal recipes to try:

• Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
• Fluffy Banana Bread Stove Top Oats
• Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Oatmeal
• Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
• Blueberry Peach Oatmeal
• Baked Chocolate Chip Cookie Oatmeal
• Date Sweetened Apple Pie Oatmeal
• Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
• Coconut Latte Overnight Oats
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats
• Birthday Cake Batter Overnight Oats
• Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats
• Apple Pie Overnight Oats
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats

3. Caffeine

Consuming caffeine in moderation can increase the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is mainly responsible for improved performance and mood. Coffee is a vasodilator, and its consumption can improve your blood circulation that can have a positive effect on your brain and mood.

Some common caffeine sources include:

• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Green tea
• Tea
• Cocoa powder

4. Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with B vitamins, including vitamin B3, B6, B12, and folate. It can reduce cholesterol, lower your cholesterol level and improved athletic performance. Adding spinach to your diet will prevent you from depression, as B vitamins are good for performing optimal brain function and reduce the symptoms of depression. So, increase your spinach intake by eating it raw as a salad or add it to soups and other nutritious, delicious foods to get enough doses of B vitamins, which is good for your mental health.

You can try these flavorful spinach recipes:

• Lentil Salad with Beets and Spinach
• One-pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
• Creamed Curried Spinach
• Feta-Quinoa Cakes with Spinach
• Spinach, Hummus, and Bell Pepper Wraps
• Creamed Spinach with Hazelnuts

5. Bananas

Banana is a superfood that contains an important amino acid, tryptophan, vitamin A, B6 and C, fiber, potassium, fiber, phosphorus, and iron. It also contains carbohydrates that help promote the absorption of tryptophan in the brain, and the vitamin B6 in it helps convert the tryptophan into the mood-boosting hormone serotonin. It also helps prevent mood related symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. In addition, it provides you with a recommended dose of fiber that your body needs for optimal digestion.

You can use bananas in many creative ways; some yummy banana recipe ideas are listed below:

• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
• Banana Pudding
• Banana Pancakes
• Healthy Banana Bread
• Banana Cake with Caramel Ganache
• Baked Banana French Toast
• Banana Cookie Dough Dip

6. Avocados

If you are feeling anxious, increase your avocado intake to uplift your mood. Avocado is a highly nutritious, happy food that is packed with high fiber content, loads of heart-healthy unsaturated fats, phytochemicals that contain disease-fighting ability. It is also an excellent source of folate that helps prevent excessive formation of homocysteine that will eventually produce more dopamine and serotonin.

Try these satisfying avocado recipes to uplift your mood:

• Bacon Avocado Fries
• Avocado Tomato Salad
• Bruschetta Chicken Stuffed Avocados
• Salmon with Corn and Avocado Succotash
• Black Bean and Avocado Salsa
• Basil Avocado Shrimp Salad Wraps
• Caprese Avocado Toast
• Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado and Pomegranate Salsa
• Avocado Hummus
• Taco Stuffed Avocados

7. Cottage Cheese

Not a big fan of cottage cheese? You will become a cottage cheese lover when you know that cottage cheese is loaded with protein and tryptophan that can improve your mood. According to many researches, the essential amino acid, tryptophan, can manage depression, anxiety, and improve your mental health.

Cottage cheese is super versatile, try these scrumptious ways to add cottage cheese to your diet:

• Saucy Spinach and Cottage Cheese-Stuffed Chicken
• Pecan Cheesecake Pudding
• Savory Crepe with Blistered Tomatoes and Avocado
• Carrot Cake Oatmeal
• Pita Flatbread with Asparagus and Herbed Cottage Cheese
• Strawberry Cottage Cheese Mini Muffins
• Cottage Cheese and Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheddar
• Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
• Fruit Salad Tacos with Honey Whipped Cottage Cheese
• Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

8. Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of vitamin D that can stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Increasing vitamin D supply can help maintain a positive mental state. Some studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression and mood disorders.

Eggs also contain an essential nutrient vitamin B12, which improves neurological function. They are rich in choline that plays a key role in improving mood, memory, and muscle control. So, it is highly recommended to add eggs to your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert recipes to provide your body with a high level of vitamin D.

Here are some creative egg recipe ideas to get a healthy dose of protein, vitamin D, and choline.

• Potato Chip Omelet
• Chard and Gruyere Eggs in the Hole
• Flower Power Sunny-Side Eggs
• Spanish Potato Omelet
• Basil-Arugula Crispy Egg Toast
• Mint-Pesto Baked Eggs
• Curry-Avocado Crispy Egg Toast
• Smoky Red Pepper Crispy Egg Toast
• Mediterranean Hummus Egg Smash
• Bacon and Egg Fried Rice

9. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a very good source of vitamin B6 that has the ability to increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a mood boosting neurotransmitter that can prevent conditions such as depression and anxiety. It is one of the best mood boosting foods that contain antioxidants beta carotene that plays the main role in reducing free radical damage to brain cells. So, add sweet potatoes to your meal plan to improve your mood and reap their maximum nutritional power.

Try these healthy sweet potato recipes:

• Sorghum-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet Potato-Ricotta Pierogis
• Crispy Bacon and Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Kale Frittata
• Tuna Salad with Sweet Potato and Basil
• Sweet potato chips
• Spicy Sweet Potato Quiche Cups
• Bacon Chicken Cutlets with Sweet Potato Mash
• Sweet Potato Croquettes

10. Lentils

When it comes to increasing protein intake, lentils are one of the best options. But do you know lentils are happy foods that are packed with an important B vitamin folate, which is required for the release of the happy hormone and important brain chemical serotonin?

Furthermore, lentils contain high fiber content that slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This low glycemic index food has the ability to regulate mood and stabilize sugar levels. Lentils are also a good source of folate, which is important for the healthy metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. Incorporate lentils into your diet to achieve a happier state of mind and prevent anxiety.

There are hundreds and thousands of lentils recipes; you can try these creative ideas to cook lentils and reap its nutritional benefits.

• Lentil Burgers
• Quinoa Bowl with Lentils and Mustard Vinaigrette
• Black Lentil and Harissa-Roasted Veggie Bowl
• Kielbasa and Lentil Soup with Lots of Basil
• Lentil Niçoise Salad
• Baked Sweet Potatoes with Moroccan Lentils
• Butternut Squash Lentil Soup
• Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with French Lentils

11. Pistachios

Pistachios are one of the healthy snack options that can make you feel full and more alert. This protein-rich, vitamin B6 loaded, and magnesium packed happy food can supercharge your mod. They contain healthy fats, high fiber content, and many potent antioxidants that can keep your blood vessels dilate during stressful conditions.

Here are some yumilicious ideas to incorporate the most nutritious mood boosting food to your diet.

• Grated Carrot Salad with Citrus and Pistachios
• Pistachio-Yogurt Sauce
• Spring Minestrone Verde with Pistachio Pesto
• Pistachio Pomegranate Granola
• Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
• Pistachio Brie Puffs
• Pistachio Pesto Hummus
• Pistachio Lemon Pasta
• Moroccan Chicken with Pistachio Couscous
• Pistachio Crusted Flank Steak
• Pistachio Bark

12. Oranges

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C that is essential to perform a number of important functions. They increase the production of important neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. These brain chemicals are responsible for mood stability and help ease depression and anxiety. So, eat more oranges to get a healthy dose of vitamin C to lower your anxiety levels and elevate your mood.

Try these delicious orange recipes to improve your mood:

• Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
• Cranberry Orange Scones
• Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
• Orange Crispies
• Citrus Steak Salad
• Orange-Glazed Ham
• Beef Orange Stir-Fry
• Charred Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Oranges
• Bitter Greens with Carrots, Turnips, and Oranges
• Sambal-Orange Vinaigrette

A Word from Explore Diet

By increasing your intake of a variety of important nutrients and happy foods you can manage depression, improve your mental health, and say goodbye to your bad mood.