Now that the festive season is over, there’s no doubt that those dreaded late-January blues have already kicked in! For those of you struggling to stay motivated, here are three healthy, mood-boosting tips to keep you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the last part of winter…
Get enough Omega-3
Low levels of Omega-3 are believed to contribute to low moods, anxiety and depression. So, make sure you fill up on foods rich in Omega-3, such as oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, sardines), chia and flax seeds. Why not head down to Squirrel to enjoy our ‘Kale Yeah’ salad, or our current seasonal special ‘Glow to Go’ topped with crunchy flaxseed crackers.
Eat enough Protein
Eating enough protein is essential for mood, as the amino acids that make up proteins are also used as the building blocks to make neurotransmitters, messaging molecules in the brain. Best gained through a variety of sources, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In particular, an amino acid called tryptophan found in natural yoghurt, oats, potatoes, squash, pumpkin and sunflowers seeds is essential in making serotonin, also known as our ‘Happy Hormone’. Boost your levels through our yoghurt pots or porridge for breakfast, or our new jacket potatoes at lunch!
Don’t forget to eat breakfast!
Got into the habit of skipping breakfast? Eating a healthy and wholesome breakfast can do wonders for your low moods (not to mention irritability levels!) at the start of the day through helping to balance blood sugar levels. Pop into Squirrel in the mornings for one of our delicious Egg Bowls. Or, if you don’t have time to stop for breakfast, knock back a Happy Squirrel Smoothie on the way to work!
