It is quite normal to feel low sometimes. It might be due to seasonal changes, or right after the realization that weekend is nearly over, or sometimes without any reason. In an effort to battle those blues people often go for comfort food such as binging on 2 liters of ice cream or a big double-decker fatty burger with lots of fries. However, these can act as temporary mood-boosters but eventually will lead you to pay afterwards. Here is the list of top five healthy food items that can elevate your mood granting you sustainable happiness.

Food # 5: Mushrooms

Mushrooms are delicious. Amazingly, they are rich in Vitamin D and selenium which includes them amongst foods to eat to improve mood. Both of these components are known for enhancing mood. On the other hand, deficiency of selenium can lead to greater risk of depression, anxiety and fatigue. Several studies reveal that around 11 million Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder. You can recover from it with an adequate intake of Vitamin D. Therefore, adding mushrooms into your regular diet and not only in pizzas can help you remain cheerful for longer.

Food # 4: Berries

Berries are phenomenal and without any doubt can be added to the foods to eat to make you happy. All types of berries are known to be rich in plenty of flavanoids, anthocyanins, and phytochemicals which act as antioxidants diminishing the oxidative stress in brain and body. This reduces aging of the brain, in turn improving cognitive functions and overall mental wellbeing. So, next time when you are upset just go and make yourself a delicious smoothie and then enjoy a happy day ahead.

Food # 3: Oats

Oats are said to be epic mood boosters and are amongst the topmost foods to eat to make you happy as they have low glycemic index which slowly releases energy keeping you happy all day long. Additionally, oatmeal consists of tryptophan and omega-3-fatty acids which are directly linked in producing happy hormones which grants one feeling of contentment and happiness. Recently published book named Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way reveals that people who consume oatmeal as their breakfast are comparatively 20 to 30% happier throughout the day from those who eat bacon, meat, or eggs.

Food # 2: Dark Chocolate

Hearing the name of dark chocolate only brings a big smile on one’s face. Yes, there is a very big scientifically proven connection of dark chocolates with our good mood. Dark chocolates, particularly those which are high in cocoa but low in sugars are known to be healthier and mood elevating. Dark chocolate has the potential to stimulate our brain in the right way and release endorphins, the feel-good hormones that slow down the production of cortisol, the stress-causing hormones. Also, dark chocolate possesses large quantities of magnesium which has a major role in the development of serotonin, the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.

Food # 1: Banana

Banana is the number one food amongst foods to eat to improve mood as eating it can instantly make you happy. It is rich in tryptophan which is later converted to serotonin. Increased levels of serotonin makes one feel happy and tryptophan regulates blood sugar and produces stress-relieving relaxation. Tryptophan also helps people to sleep peacefully. Many doctors recommend patients with insomnia to consume banana on daily basis.

Remember the story of a tortoise and a hare which taught us that “slow and steady wins the race”? All of us agree with this proverb but surprisingly, when it comes to shedding away the extra pounds while trying to get slimmer, all of us can’t wait. We just want immediate results.

Clearly, the goal nowadays is no longer to just lose extra pounds and acquire the healthy weight; actually the goal is to look exactly like the popular super model on the front page of a fashion magazine. Hence, unsurprisingly, around 85% dieters in America are reported to be women.

Read further to know why fad diets don’t work and what are the actual do’s and don’ts of a healthy and effective diet plan.

Origination of Fad Diets

Did you know that a celebrity can earn up to $3million for endorsing a diet?

The desire of today’s women to look exactly like a fashion celebrity is making them go extreme lengths which has given rise to a big industry that manipulates the public to gain huge sums of money. Fad or crash diets are also the creation of this industry.

Goal of a Fad Diet Plan

Fad diets are designed as quick fixes that promise dramatic results and by asking you to strictly limit the food choices or by recommending you to eat one food over and over again. Also, there are several fad diet plans which urge people to have no more than 500 calories a day. The reason why fad diets don’t work is because they set unrealistic expectations and offer unrealistic tactics to achieve results—both of which cannot be repeated throughout life.

Types of Fad Diets

There are number of crazy fad diet types including grapefruit diet in which you only have to consume grapefruits all day long, and then there is a cookie diet for cookie lovers who cannot eat anything else but cookie. Also, there is a ridiculous diet called HCG diet in which one consumes 500 calories per day with an injection or pill of hormones that comes from pregnant mare’s urine. One of the fad diets also suggests eating cotton balls.

Consequences of Fad Diet

Eliminating the essential macronutrients from the food can cause severe health complications and malnourishment. Henceforth, the person on fad diet feels exhausted, hungry, and has no energy to perform daily tasks.

Plus, the apparent weight loss is due to the loss of water which then eventually leads to the loss of muscles but not due to the fat loss.

Furthermore, to provide quick superficial results, these diets causes manipulation of hormones and chemical balances which can be very dangerous.

Moreover, results are only there until you are associated with fad diet. It is impossible to continue the crash dieting for long-term and once you quit it and come back to your usual eating habits, fat come inevitably and very quickly.

Better Solution:

Remember, being calorie deficit is not the goal. However, Fad Diets only promote the idea that consuming fewer calories will eventually lead you to lose weight. But our body needs nutrients, too. It needs vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Dr. Carol Landau, Clinical Psychologist and a Lifestyle expert suggest that one should keep the fad diet aside and rather acquire a common-sense eating plan which involves eating “everything” in “moderation” and limiting the overconsumption of processed food, sugars, and saturated fats.

People trying to get rid of the extra inches on their belly or trying to maintain a healthy weight must opt for healthier lifestyle that balances food, exercise and adequate rest.