Foods that help with Mood

The foods we eat can affect how we feel

Dopamine's Role: creates feelings of motivation and drive, liking, attention, pleasure, and enjoyment of food

• Increase it by: increasing the amino acid Phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is found in most foods that contain protein such as beef, poultry, pork, fish, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, soy products (including soy protein isolate, soybean flour, and tofu), and certain nuts and seeds.

Serotonin's Role: Regulates mood and anxiety, appetite, sleep cycle, and body temperature

• Increase it by: Increasing the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan can be made into serotonin and is best absorbed when eaten with a complex carbohydrate source. Turkey, milk, eggs, chicken, fish, soybeans, cottage cheese, bananas, nuts, oatmeal, wheat germ, avocados, and legumes are the best sources.