It’s not all about kale and spinach!

Here’s a secret… you don’t have to cut out your favourite foods to make you feel good! Truth is as long as you choose a healthier option some your most loved dishes are packed with vitamins and mood-boosting ingredients that are sure to improve energy levels and make you feel great!

Here are 5 foods that made the cut!

Scrambled Eggs with Oatmeal

Your parents will have drummed into you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and they weren’t wrong! A healthy balanced breakfast is proven to get your day off to a great start by increasing your energy and improving memory skills. Eggs are full of B vitamins which helps boost your mood and the added oatmeal contains dopamine (a neurotransmitter which has been proven to increase pleasure) so it’s sure to set you up for whatever your day has in store.

Macaroni and Cheese

Yes, that’s right your childhood favourite has made it! We’re not talking about the packet ones, but healthy, homemade Macaroni and Cheese is another one full of those mood boosting vitamin B’s! If you’re worried about the carbs, remember foods such as pasta increase serotonin and endorphin levels to boost your energy and leave you oozing good vibes!

Check out this healthy take on this classic favourite from Pinch of Yum.

Banana Split

This banana and ice cream favourite can easily be changed into a less fattening and more nutritious version (without losing any flavour!) Both ice cream and bananas are rich in vitamin B with bananas also containing high levels of tryptophan which helps produce serotonin. If you’d like a healthier version, opt for or the reduced fat and low sugar ice cream because thanks to this ever developing industry they now taste pretty close to the real thing!

Beef Stew

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than a warming stew! But this ultimate comfort food has some added benefits.  Lean red meat is an excellent source of tryptophan and protein, both of which are critical to mood regulation. Be sure to trim any excess fat and add as many veggies as possible to keep the good stuff coming in!

Last but not least, CHOCOLATE!

Your new excuse to eat chocolate (in moderation of course.) If your feeling down chocolate contains myraid which has beneficial nutrients that help regulate mood. Do we need any more reason? If you’re trying reduce your calorie intake, just one or two pieces of dark chocolate each day is sure to do the trick and it’s more heart-healthy than other chocolate flavours .

There you have it you can continue to eat your favourite foods without feeling guilty and stay fabulous in February!

For more mood boosting foods, check out these 3 Smoothie Recipes To Make You Look Good and Feel Good.

Tags: Feel Good Foods, Foodie Tips