Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to feel good, our mood is just not on our side. We might be struggling with stress or even more annoyingly, our unpredictable lady hormones, but whatever the cause, I think we can all agree that deep breathing and yoga isn’t always cutting it (sigh…). So the next time you’re feeling a bit less than awesome, try these natural mood uppers to power you through your day.
Lemon water
Homemade lemonade is an instant mood boost-- not even exaggerating! At home, use a lemon squeezer to extract the juice from organic lemons; add the juice to fresh water and sprinkle some stevia to make it sweet. This drink is packed with vitamin C and electrolytes, making it a natural energy drink!
Maca
Extracted from the maca root, this powder helps manage your adrenaline levels. This means less of those ups and downs through the day, so you can feel more balanced and positive. You can buy maca in capsules or purchase it in a powder, which you can add to your morning smoothie.
Kale chips
Love to snack? If you’ve got a chronic case of the munchies (like me), go for kale chips instead of your usual carb-heavy snacks. Kale chips are full of nutrients that help you feel more energized and happy. You can get them from your local health store or make your own kale chips-- it’s way more affordable.
Salmon
Salmon is an excellent feel-good food. It has high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals, plus it tastes yummy-- just as long as you don’t overcook it! Salmon also has those omega 3 fats, which help with mental stamina and focusing. Overall, it’s without a doubt one of the best superfoods!
Ginseng
Ginseng is a do-it-all supplement: it increases energy, lowers blood sugar and reduces stress. I sometimes add some ginseng to my protein shake after a workout (when I remember to). Although it’ll never be as powerful as caffeine, it’s certainly a lot healthier and still effective!