Get ready to kick those January blues to the curb with these mood-boosting food secrets straight from our nutritionist insiders! If the dark mornings and chilly commutes have got you feeling down, fear not—our expert crew has the lowdown on the ultimate mood-enhancing ingredients that will have you smiling in no time.

1. Eggs:

Forget the ordinary brekkie; eggs are the secret weapon for a better brain day. According to registered dietitian Fareeha Jay, the combo of choline and iron in eggs may just be the mood-lifting magic you need. So, why not switch up your routine and enjoy a poached egg on soup for lunch or a fried egg on a veg-packed rice dish for dinner?

2. Saffron:

Spice up your life and your mood with saffron! Nutritionist Emilia Papadopoulos swears by it, citing studies that link saffron to reducing feelings of depression. Add a pinch to tomato-based sauces for a fragrant richness or infuse it in stock for a sunshine yellow risotto.

3. Probiotic Foods:

Join the gut health revolution with fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. According to Rhiannon Lambert, a registered nutritionist, a healthy gut microbiome equals a healthy mind. Boost your serotonin production and overall mental well-being with these mood-enhancing delights.

4. Oily Fish:

Take a dive into a mood-boosting sea with oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Registered dietitian Juliette Kellow recommends incorporating these omega-3-rich wonders into your diet for a happier heart, brain, and eyes. Quick and easy recipes like air-fried salmon or a Mediterranean-inspired sardine pasta are sure to lift your spirits.

5. Nuts:

Go nuts for brain health! Packed with essential nutrients like vitamin E and zinc, nuts are a tasty way to improve brain function and elevate your mood. From morning porridge to evening yoghurt bowls, adding a handful of unsalted nuts to your meals is a simple yet effective mood-boosting strategy.

6. Chocolate:

Indulge your sweet tooth with the ultimate mood enhancer—chocolate! Nutritionist Gabriela Peacock reveals that chocolate contains flavonoids, stimulating caffeine, and endorphin-triggering properties. A square or two of your favourite chocolate bar is not just a treat; it’s a mood-lifting necessity.

7. Berries:

For a delicious and brain-boosting treat, turn to berries! Nutritionist Gabriela Peacock recommends these fruity wonders, packed with polyphenols and antioxidants that support brain health. Blueberries, in particular, may even impact brain function and cognition—making them a top choice for a mood-boosting snack.

8. Oats:

Join the TikTok controversy on oats and discover why they’re a mood-boosting breakfast staple. Juliette Kellow insists that oats, loaded with starchy carbohydrates, provide a slow and steady energy release, preventing those energy crashes that leave you feeling tired. So, kickstart your day with a warm bowl of porridge and all your favourite toppings for a mood-boosting breakfast like no other.

Say goodbye to the January blues and hello to a happier, healthier you with these expert-approved mood-boosting foods!