What to Cook to Avoid the Winter Blues
It’s so easy in the winter to turn to your favorite comfort food like casseroles and stews. But, these may not be the best types of food to help the family to avoid the winter blues. With dark mornings and evenings and the kids in school some days no one may see daylight and it can affect your and their moods. So check out these delicious ingredients and recipes ideas for you and your family to savour and beat the winter blues this year!
Foods can help you and these simple switches to your family mealtimes can make a difference to the whole family.
So check out our top foods to eat to beat the winter blues this year.
Foods to Help Beat the Winter Blues
Foods that can improve your mood can help with the winter blues. Increasing your levels of serotonin can help a lot. The following will really help and can easily be added into your meals over the winter.
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Foods Rich in Omega-3
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acids and foods that contain this also contain the amino acid Tryptophan which our bodies can’t produce.
Some of the best food are:
- Oily fish like salmon and trout
- Walnuts
- Bananas – check out our family favorite banana desserts for some tasty inspiration.
- Turkey – we have some delicious leftover turkey recipes so buy a bird or some breasts and get cooking
- Tofu
- And Flax Seeds
Folic Acid Rich Foods
Folic acid helps increase serotonin levels in your body – “the happy chemical” so any foods containing this are great for improving your moods.
Try some of these
- Lentils
- Asparagus
- Spinach and Kale
- Citrus Fruits
- Kidney Beans – check out our sausage and kidney bean pasta which is a family favourite and so quick to make
- Broccoli
Foods with Magnesium
Did you know Magnesium is a natural anti-stressor! It helps to calm you and relieves the every day stresses.
So it’s time to include more in your diet and you’re really going to love adding the last of our list to your meal plans.
- Bran
- Seeds – particularly squash, pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds
- Brazil Nuts
- Dark Chocolate – YUMMY!
Vitamin B Containing Foods
Vitamin B can boost energy levels and before you turn to the supplements try including these foods into your meal plans over the winter months.
- Brown Rice
- Corn – how about a light dinner of a corn salad
- Shellfish
- Fish of all sorts
- Lamb
- Eggs – use the eggs in recipes or how about a delicious sausage, egg and cheese breakfast casserole a fantastic way to start the day when it’s cold and dark outside.
Other Winter Blues Beating Eating Tips!
Sometimes the little things can make all the difference check out these tips for eating for a better mood during the winter months.
Switch your Carbs
Simple carbs give us quick bursts of energy whereas more complex carbs let us have the energy over the long term.
So switch your white flour and rice for whole grain flour, brown rice, and increase the amount of vegetables and lentils in your cooking.
Hydrate
Heating, being indoors can dry us out.
In winter, you need to keep just as hydrated as in the summer. It helps to flush out any toxins from the overindulgence of Christmas as well as fill us up and help to stop us from overeating as well.
Less Caffeine and Alcohol
Alcohol and caffeine in moderation.
Alcohol is a depressant and when you are already feeling low it can’t help but lower your mood.
Caffeine affects your sleep and this can then affect your moods.
So reduce the amount you drink, stop in the middle of the afternoon and switch out some cups for an alternative.
By switching some things and adding a little into your meal plans you can help beat the winter blues combined with lots of fresh air and a good night’s sleep.