Not looking forward to the big move? Realizing you have too much stuff and its becoming a bit overwhelming - its actually making you feel a bit cranky! If you’re feeling crankier than usual lately, you’re not alone.

We get it! Clutter, moving, long winter months, wearing masks everywhere, not being able to spend time with family, cant go on vacation! Enter mood-boosting foods.

We’re sharing our top mood food picks that aren’t just healthy and delicious, but research suggests they may, in fact, play a role in our overall mood as well.

Want in? Keep scrolling.

#1 Raw Cacao

Chocolate fans rejoice — raw cacao (very different from those sweetened chocolate bars) has some pretty darn impressive properties.

Some studies have suggested that the flavonoids found in cocoa contain both cognitive and mood-supporting properties (heck, yes!) So go ahead and sprinkle some raw cacao nibs over your morning bowl of oatmeal, on top of an acai bowl, or enjoy mixed into homemade granola.

#2 Nuts & Seeds

Need a new healthy snack that doubles as a delicious mood-boosting food? Make a batch of homemade trail mix (recipe below) to stay full and nourished when snacking on the go.

Nuts and seeds, particularly peanuts, pumpkin, and sesame seeds, are rich in tryptophan, an important amino acid that plays a key role in the production of serotonin (the commonly known mood-supporting neurotransmitter). Tryptophan has been found to have a positive effect on overall mood, making these nuts and seeds an excellent addition to a well-balanced mood-boosting diet.

#3 Unsweetened Yogurt or Kefir

Not only does unsweetened yogurt make one of the most convenient snacks, but it can be added to smoothies for added creaminess, or made into a healthy yogurt parfait with some nuts and seeds and raw cacao nibs to satisfy a sweet tooth craving. So if you’re looking for a mood-boosting food that’s super easy to include in your diet, look no further than plain old unsweetened yogurt — need it dairy-free? Try coconut or almond yogurt.

Not only does it make an easy snack, but gut-supporting foods rich in probiotics may also help support a happier mood too — how? The gut-brain connection! Some research has suggested that the bacteria in the gut may not only play a role in digestion but our mood and overall energy too.

Unsweetened yogurt (or kefir if you can tolerate a bit of a tangier flavor) are great sources of gut-loving probiotics, so consider these “mood foods” for your healthy and balanced diet.

#4 Blueberries

Blueberries are a delicious “mood food” that happens to be one of nature’s sweetest treats. They sweeten up that bowl of oatmeal in the AM, make a delicious antioxidant-rich smoothie, or even make a tasty snack.

Plus, research has found that an antioxidant-rich diet may have a positive effect on both mood and cognitive function (yes, please!)

#5 Salmon

Thanks to the rich omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon makes a tasty mood-boosting food. The thing about these fatty acids is that the body cannot produce them on its own — we rely on food to get enough. They play a key role in brain health and some research has found that not getting enough may have a negative effect on mood.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to get omega-3s in your diet, and if fatty fish just isn’t your thing, some great plant-based options include:

• Chia seeds

• Flax seeds

• Hemp seeds

• Walnuts

#6 Oats

Overnight oats anyone? Yep, they’re one of our favorite ways to enjoy breakfast on the go and one of our go-to mood-boosting foods. Oats wind up on our favorite list of mood foods thanks to the high fiber content — a bowl of oatmeal or a jar of overnight oats in the AM will help keep you full longer while being a great healthy and balanced breakfast to help support stable blood sugar levels.

Say goodbye to feeling hangry and reaching for that sugary snack between breakfast and lunch. A good, hearty breakfast to start your day is key to keeping your mood and energy levels high.

But, heads up — you want the plain old rolled oats, not the sugary pre-packed varieties. You can add your own sweetness with antioxidant-rich berries and some raw cacao nibs.

#7 Lentils

We couldn’t talk about mood-boosting foods without dishing the deets on at least one protein-rich plant-based food, and lentils happen to be one of our favorites — you can use them on salads, swap out beef and use in tacos or even in meat sauces.

Lentils are rich in B-vitamins which are key for mood and even stress. Plus, they happen to be nutritionally-packed with iron and folate.

Call Laing Self Storage of Binghamton today at 607-775-9776 to reserve your locker today. We are located in Binghamton, Endwell, Conklin and Endicott.