Yahoo LifestyleMood-boosting foods: a simple meal to ward off winter blues
When the days are shorter and the weather is cold and gloomy, most of us could do with a boost in the mood department. If you’re looking to find a way to fight off the winter blues and maintain a healthy and balanced diet, stocking up on these superfoods can really help ward off the sadness the winter season can bring.
Watch below as Celebrity Masterchef winner Nadia Sawalha prepares a delicious meal using mood-boosting foods and shows you how to make the same simple and healthy meal at home.
[Relevant: More mood boosting foods]
Butternut squash - a good source of carotenoids which are antioxidants that support your health through the long winter period. The starch in this vegetable works as a great anti inflammatory, and provides good levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, dietary fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids. Bake this in the oven, mix into casseroles or steam and used in place of baked potato.
Chestnuts - chestnuts are some of the best low-fat, high energy foods to help you stay energized during the day. They are an excellent source of protein, Vitamin C and are efficient at helping to stabilise low blood sugar levels and balancing out high cholesterol. They also have a high starch content than potatoes which makes them very filling. Enjoy them oven roasted, steamed, or fire roasted. They can be used in stuffing, soups and as a flour substitute.
Walnuts - this brain-shaped nut is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids – also known as brain food. They also provide a form of vitamin E which is good for heart health. Add to salads, cereals or eat them on their own as a snack.
Endive - a bitter green, endive contain essential amino acids, fats, starch, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and B1, B2, C, K and P vitamins. They offer a great crunch in a salad, especially when paired with a sweet dressing.
Chili - these peppers bright red colour signal a high content of beta-carotene or pro-Vitamin A. They are loaded with vitamin C and Vitamin A, also known as the ‘anti-infection; vitamin. This vitamin is the body’s first line of defence against invading pathogens, so chili peppers can help ward off cold and flu symptoms – a must in the winter months.
Visit www.putporkonyourfork.co.uk for the full ‘Happy Menu’ and more of Nadia and Dr Christy’s tips, advice and delicious recipes to boost your mood in January.
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