It’s that time again. The days are long and dark, the nights are cold, and you only want to hibernate until March. But we can’t let winter get us down! There are plenty of ways we can fight off those January blues with food that will keep us happy, healthy, and full of energy all month long.
Omega-3 fatty acid-filled fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that can improve mood due to increasing the brain’s serotonin production, which is the happy hormone. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like sardines, cod, herring, and salmon, which are also rich in vitamin D, perfect for making up for the lack of sunlight during the dark winter months.
Omega 3s are good for your heart health and cholesterol levels too!
Vibrant fresh fruits
If these foods don’t do it for you right now, try adding them into your diet gradually until they become part of your daily routine—and don’t forget to leave room for some veggies too!
Green leafy vegetables
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and copper. These nutrients can help to protect against depression and low moods. Mushrooms are also full of folate, which boosts the brain’s ability to think clearly. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with concentration during the winter months – another common symptom of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and folate. They also contain omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, which can help reduce depression in people. Some great examples of nuts and seeds to include in your meals are almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.
Garlic
Garlic is a staple in many cooking and herbal medicine recipes. It’s known to have a slew of health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, fighting bacteria and infections, reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, and reducing the risk of diabetes. Garlic is also considered to be a great prebiotic option, helping to keep your gut healthy.
Bananas
Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6, which is important for nerve function. They’re also an excellent source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Bananas also contain vitamin C, which supports immune health and healthy skin.
Eating right can help you beat the January blues. When you eat a healthy diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, you’ll be on track to fighting off low mood levels.
Contact us…
At dido’s fine food, we love to incorporate as many fresh and healthy ingredients into our menus so you can be sure you are eating delicious, nourishing food. If you are looking to hire a private chef or catering company, look no further than our team. Contact us today at 07796 274028. Alternatively, feel free to drop us an email at [email protected] and we will be more than happy to provide a catering quote for you. Our catering company is based in Thame, Oxfordshire and we can cater across many of the adjoining counties too including Buckinghamshire and areas of Berkshire. See a selection of our sample menus here.