Winter Blues Food
Feeling a little down and possibly sluggish lately? You’re not the only one! Here we are suggesting some food to fight the winter blues.
Winter brings with it shorter days and down right chilly temperatures. This can lead to your mood reflecting some of the same bleak conditions.
This type of depression is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and is believed to be caused by the changing seasons. Typically, symptoms of winter-onset SAD (also known as winter depression) begin to worsen around fall and peak during the winter months. According to the National Institute for Mental Health – NIMH, symptoms can include:
- Having low energy
- Hypersomnia (excessive tiredness or sleeping)
- Overeating
- Weight gain
- Craving for carbohydrates
- Social withdrawal (feel like “hibernating”)
“It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide.”, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Besides the different types of treatment for SAD that can be discussed with a health professional, you can also take action on your own by incorporating some mood-boosting foods and nutrients into your meals. Healthline.com suggests trying these winter blues food:
- Lean Proteins – lean ground beef, fish, chicken, beans, eggs
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – salmon, flax seed, walnuts
- Berries – blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
- Limit Sugar
- Folic Acid – leafy greens, oatmeal, sunflower seeds, oranges, fortified cereals, lentils, black-eyed peas, soybeans
- Vitamin B 12 – lean beef, clams, oysters, crab, wild salmon, eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, milk
- Vitamin D – milk, egg yolks, mushrooms, fish that have bones, supplements
- Dark Chocolate
- Turkey
- Bananas
Keep in mind, you should consult your physician or nutritionist before making any major changes to your nutritional plan.
“TNT’s comprehensive approach addresses the entire individual and their needs. We start with an extensive interview, evaluation and assessment. This is followed by a custom-built nutrition plan and exercise guidelines ensuring it fits both their lifestyle and dietary objectives. Our clients succeed because we are with them every step of the way, ensuring focus is maintained and results are achieved.”
For more nutritional information and your Free Consultation, contact us today.
Email: information@tntgetfit.com
Phone: 704-549-9550
If you or someone you know is showing serious signs of depression or mental illness, remember that there is help out there, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (1-800-662-HELP (4357) and SAD Support Groups.
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