Energy & Mood Boosting Foods

It's 3:00 pm, you have been sitting in front of a computer screen ALL day and your energy is at an all time low. Unfortunately, your work day may be coming to an end but chances are you have a whole lot to do in the evening. Once you make it through the heavy traffic, you still have to cook dinner, take care of the pets, kids, household chores, maybe even race off to kids activities or other commitments. But the truth is most of us just want to crash on the couch instead. 

Fatigue especially in the winter months wreaks havoc on your precious immune system and also takes a toll on you physically and emotionally.  So it's super important that we fuel our bodies the right way and boost our mood and energy naturally instead of turning to caffeine and sugary snacks.  Not only will those just slow you down and leave you more tired in the long run, but they aren't doing your immunity any favors.  Here are a few Mood and Energy boosting foods that you can incorporate into your routine to give your body the natural boost it needs in the winter months. 




Turmeric is an antioxidant-rich root that boosts dopamine and serotonin levels. A 2015 study found that curcumin, the primary antioxidant component in turmeric, not only boosted cognitive function but also improved mood in study participants. Curcumin is best absorbed when combined with black pepper.

Salmon is a great source of the energy-boosting goodness that has omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for energy production, brain activity and circulation. Fish is often referred to as “brain food” because it supplies essential fats that allow brain membranes to perform at peak level, which is key for the regulation of mood. Try out this Parmesan Herb Crusted Salmon recipe to add more Salmon to the menu this week!

Sesame seeds are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps control your stress response. If you like sesame, you don’t have to limit yourself to eating just the seeds, since they are used to make other tasty and nutritious products, including tahini and halvah (one of my fav sweet treats).

Bananas are one of the world’s best foods for supplying your body with energy. Rich in potassium and B vitamins, they can provide your body with a more sustained release of energy. The supply of vitamins and carbohydrates in bananas make you feel full, help slow down digestion and keep blood sugar levels stable.Try making these Power Bananas for a quick and yummy snack!

Oatmeal Tucking into a bowl of oatmeal not only feels good this time of year but it’s also good for your immune system. This fibre rich food has something called “microbiota-accessible carbs” which help the Gut Microbiota! 75% of our bodies defense is in your gut so what we eat has a huge impact on our overall health and immunity! Try this Apple and Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal Recipe.

Yogurt & other fermented foods are rich in probiotics to help promote a healthy gut. A 2013 study from UCLA found that women who had eaten probiotic-rich yogurt twice a day for 4 weeks showed a significant decrease in brain activity in the neural networks that help control emotional and sensory behavior. The study authors concluded that the connection between your brain and your gut goes both ways – and what you eat impacts your brain’s sensory processing and emotion. 

Coconut The oils that are found in coconut provide a super nutritious source of energy as it primarily consists of medium chain triglycerides, a type of fat that is turned into energy quickly and efficiently. Coconut is utilized by the body to actually produce energy rather than store it as fat. That’s what we want! Coconut is an awesome food to prevent you from feeling sluggish throughout the day too. Try making these Healthy Cranberry Bliss Bars!

Acai, the purple berry found in Brazil and other southern climates, may be one of the best at fighting the oxidative stress that can come from a winter-impaired immune system. In a recent study, researchers demonstrated how acai beats such supplements as vitamins, coenzyme Q10 and lutein in maintaining a better quality of life and extending life span. Try any of these Acai Bowl recipes!