Eating “Happy” Foods to Combat Depression
What Foods Are Good At Alleviating Depression?
If you’ve ever suffered from depression or know someone who does, you certainly know how depression can lead to increased eating. If you are depressed, it is important to stay away from unhealthy foods, which can further worsen your condition. However, that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t snack your blues away. In fact, food may be exactly what you need to put a smile back on your face.
Happy Foods = Happy Feelings
Depression-related eating is not uncommon. Did you break up with your boyfriend? Drown your sorrows in ice cream. Did you have a really bad day at work? Eat a few grilled cheese sandwiches and a couple of chocolate chip cookies. The scenario is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
In order to satisfy your depression-related urge to eat, it is important to eat “happy” foods that are healthy for you too. There are certain foods that can help you fight your need to binge and can also alleviate the effects of depression. Such “happy” foods usually contain Omega 3, and if you read our blog a few days ago, you’ll remember that Omega 3 can also help you lose weight.
Hemp seeds are valuable source of Omega 3. You can cook with hemp oil or add hemp seeds to your cereal or smoothies too. Pumpkin seeds also contain omega 3, so you can add them to brownies or cookie batters.
For Your Sweet Tooth
One frequent depression-related eating habit is to eat sweet foods such as brownies. If you are going to bake brownies, make sure you make healthy brownies and add hemp oil or other ingredients that are rich in Omega 3. If you like walnuts in your brownies, you’re in luck! Walnuts are also a good source of Omega 3.
Tuna Salad Sandwiches
Tuna is also an excellent source of Omega 3 (as long as you don’t eat too much of it). Make a tuna sandwich for lunch to satisfy your cravings and fight your depression at the same time. Fish and spinach are also good sources of Omega 3. For dinner, splurge on salmon and add a spinach salad.
If you make simple dietary adjustments by adding foods that contain Omega 3 to your diet, you will avoid weight gain but improve your depression simultaneously.