NOTEBOOK Ways to feel well and good

The food we eat is inextricably linked to our mood, anxious thoughts and behaviors. Eating a diet rich in whole foods is a good place to start when it comes to nurturing your whole-body health. By incorporating these six mood-boosting foods into your wholefood diet, you’ll be supporting your body and your mind with the nutrients you need to build a solid foundation for mental wellness, says Ben Warren, leading clinical nutritionist and clinical director of scientific, holistic health company BePure.

1

BRAZIL NUTS These are packed with selenium, which is an essential trace element. It is critical for the brain and for cognitive

function.

2

OYSTERS They’re rich in zinc, a vital mineral involved in more than

200 enzymatic reactions within our bodies, which impacts how we think and feel

every day.

3

WALNUTS Have you noticed how walnuts resemble a human brain? It’s fitting then that they’re loaded with beneficial omega-3

fatty acids that promote a healthy mood. Walnuts are a great snack to top up your omega-3 levels.

4

CACAO The purest form of chocolate, cacao is an incredibly rich source of magnesium

and is a natural antioxidant – both are key players in supporting mood.

5

OILY FISH Seeing as our brains are made up of 60 percent fat, it makes sense that consuming good fats – particularly

anti-inflammatory omega 3s found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines – is essential

for brain health.

6

EGGS Every type of tissue in the human body has vitamin-D receptors, making it essential for how we feel on a daily basis. Eggs are a great source of vitamin D, as is safe

sun exposure.