There’s no denying it, January blues are well and truly upon us. Those dark and dreary nights alongside the sudden drop in temperature might seriously be impacting the way we feel. However, there is evidence to suggest that eating healthily during these times can help us feel more positive, remove that brain fog and help us to feel more energised. Here are a few tips to turn that frown upside down.
Breakfast
Kickstarting the day with a healthy, balanced breakfast can not only help maintain a healthy weight, but also control our hungry throughout the day. We might therefore be more inclined to make healthier food choices while avoiding the devastating effects of feeling ‘hangry’.
Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
Our blood sugar levels are determined by the types of food we eat. Sugary, refined carbohydrates (white flour, added sugars, white rice etc.) lead to an initial increase in blood sugar levels followed by a quick crash in energy levels. Much like a rollercoaster, these highs and lows will lead to us feeling lethargic, tired and ultimately craving more sugar. On the other hand, slow-releasing carbohydrates (oats, fruit, vegetables, wholegrains etc.) in their natural form contain more fibre and nutrients which will stabilise blood sugar levels, allowing us to feel more energetic and focused for longer.
Eat the Rainbow
A colourful diet means that we are eating more fruit and vegetables. Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables contain ‘phytochemicals’, which can have anti-inflammatory properties when eaten in the right amounts. These impressive plant-based compounds can help us fight those January blues by feeling happier, improve memory and maintain a healthy gut.
As you can see, a healthy diet can have a huge positive impact on our mood! Why not try out some of these tips and see if together, we can tackle those January Blues.
Written by Hannah Whitely