In this article I tell you about what type of foods will change your mood how they can affect you mood, (both positive and negative) for all those pregnant women interested in improving your diet.

Studies confirm that certain foods can help chase your blues away.

Nutrients- Seven Major Classes

• Carbohydrates
• Dietary fibre
• Minerals
• Fats
• Protein
• Vitamins and water

To ensure we get the proper amount of nutrients, how we prepare our food is equally important. Examples: Baked, boiled or fried.

Eating Foods we Enjoy versus our Favourite Foods

• The foods we enjoy can calm us and lighten our spirit.

• Some of our favourite foods can make you feel guilty and regretful.

Cravings for Bad Foods

Men and women differ when it comes to the desire for specific foods. Men tend to be motivated more so by hunger.
On the other hand, women, especially during pregnancy, are motivated more so by negative mood, boredom and anxiety. This can turn into a negative cycle from feelings of guilt and regret.

What are These Bad Foods that Change our Mood?

Junk foods such as:

• Chocolate, "Yes, I know, it's my favourite too." Although dark chocolate has been said to be actually healthy when consumed in moderation.

• Potato chips.

• High sugary foods which offer no nutritional value like white bread, pasta and rice, for example.

• Foods high in sodium (salt) such as processed foods from cans.

What are the Good Foods that can Change our Mood?

• Fish, Nuts and olive oil are all rich in omega 3 oil, all of which help the nervous system.

• Vitamin D enriched foods such as eggs, cereals and mushrooms. Vitamin D helps to raise a hormone called serotonin. Our serotonin levels are linked to our central nervous system, which determines our level of mood.

• Clean vegetables and fruit.

These are the most important vitamins linked to our over all wellbeing.

A sufficient amount of fruit and vegetables daily will provide you with many vitamins as associated with mood as well, such as B vitamins- thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid.

Snacks - Mood- Calories

New research indicates in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association that the importance of snacking instead of meals will lessen our daily calorie intake. This, as well, is linked to our mood. Fruits, vegetables, yogurt, tuna and whole grains will give a sufficient amount of calories, protein, carbohydrates and fat needed throughout the day.

So, the saying holds true, "We are what we eat." Choosing what we eat and how we eat is a major element in how we feel.

Sources: Natural Cures and Gentle Medicines, by the editors of FC&A Medical Publishing.