Top 10 fundamental feel-good foods to add to your everyday diet
The foods we eat can have a significant impact on not only our physical but also our mental health. So, here are ten fundamental feel-good foods to add to your everyday diet.
Believe it or not, your emotions can actually be closely linked to your diet. The idea of ‘comfort foods’ does have some scientific backing, bringing feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and happiness through the release of dopamine for a short period of time.
And while it’s completely fine to indulge in comfort foods from time to time (we’ve all seen the teen rom-coms with the post-break-up tubs of Ben and Jerry’s), focusing on eating a healthy and balanced diet will actually have longer-lasting positive effects on both our physical and mental health.
So, if you’re looking for some foods that will make you glow from the inside out and help you feel ready to seize the day, then read on. Here are ten fundamental feel-good foods to add to your everyday diet.
10. Brown rice ‒ plenty of nutritional benefits
Many good news websites will extoll the virtues and benefits of switching from white rice to brown rice as a regular part of your diet.
One of the many benefits of rice is that it is super easy to incorporate into your weekly meals, whether you’re eating curries, salads, chillis, or anything else. Aside from this, brown rice is full of nutrients and fibre that are sure to keep your digestive system functioning as it should.
9. Beetroot ‒ more than just a tasty side
Beetroot is not just full of flavour and colour. Rather, this delicious root vegetable is full of essential nutrients that are sure to make you feel like your very best self.
As one of the fundamental feel-good foods to add to your everyday diet, beetroot can help bone formation, metabolism, brain function, and more.
8. Walnuts ‒ a nutty amount of benefits
Nuts, in general, are very good for your health. However, they must be consumed in moderation as they tend to be very high in calories and fat.
Walnuts are rich in antioxidants and Omega-3s, making them a great addition to your diet. They have even been proven to reduce the risk of certain cancers, lower blood pressure, and promote healthy gut function.
7. Carrots ‒ good for your skin and eyes
According to the old wives’ tale, carrots are supposed to help you see in the dark. While this isn’t exactly true, this bright orange root vegetable is high in Vitamin A, which is good for your eye health.
They are also high in antioxidants and nutrients that promote healthy digestion and good skin.
6. Olive oil ‒ don’t be afraid of oil
Similarly to nuts, olive oil is quite high in calories and fats, so it must be consumed in moderation. However, this amazing oil is a focal point of the Mediterranean diet, which is considered among the healthiest in the world.
High-quality extra virgin olive oil contains polyphenols, which have been proven to limit the effects of proteins linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.
5. Beans ‒ a healthy source of protein and fibre
As more and more people turn away from the consumption of meat and animal products, it is important to make sure we are consuming enough protein in our daily diets.
Beans are a great healthy source of protein, and they even boast a whole host of other nutrients, including essential vitamins and iron.
4. Blueberries ‒ a great addition to your breakfast
Berries are a fantastic tasty addition to your breakfast in the morning ‒ and they even boast many amazing benefits that will help you through the day.
Blueberries are among the fundamental feel-good foods to add to your everyday diet, as they are high in antioxidants and have even been linked to improved memory and improved mood!
3. Chia seeds ‒ a powerful ‘super food’
Often labelled a ‘super food’, chia seeds have many incredible benefits. These tiny little seeds are packed full of Omega-3s, fibre, and protein, as well as a whole host of essential minerals and antioxidants.
From lowering your risk of heart disease to providing important bone nutrients, incorporating chia seeds into your daily diet is sure to get you feeling healthy, fit, and strong.
2. Broccoli ‒ a vegetable we grow to love
As kids, most of us would have been horrified to see a stem of broccoli on our dinner plates. As we grow up, however, we grow to appreciate this delicious and healthy vegetable.
Broccoli is high in antioxidants, fibre, and water, which means it boasts many benefits for the digestive system.
1. Avocado ‒ not just a trendy Insta food
Avocado is not just a trendy food to post to your Instagram story when you’re out for brunch. Rather, this delicious green fruit (yes, really!) has many incredible benefits for your overall health.
Full of unsaturated fats, avocado can help lower cholesterol and improve memory and concentration!
