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Eat well and boost your mood
When the cold weather arrives, many of us can feel a little low. But did you know that what you eat can affect how you feel? Not only that, but there are certain foods that are proven to actually boost mood.
A balanced diet packed with fibre, vitamins and antioxidants can help beneficial gut bacteria thrive and boost production of feel-good hormones. And the best part is, it’s easy to incorporate mood-boosting foods into your diet.
- Berries – strawberries, raspberries, blackberries are the perfect topping on porridge or a slice of cheesecake.
- Lentils – lovely legumes such as beans, pulses and lentils are often overlooked but are nutrient-packed! They are also an easy, low-cost way to bulk up a meal and a great meat alternative.
- Oats – are packed with all sorts of goodness. Why not start your day with a bowl of porridge and top with berries for an extra boost?
- Nuts – they may be small but they’re big on benefits. Mixed nuts are an easy snack or a great addition to a vegetarian dish.
- Leafy greens – kale, spinach, cabbage and broccoli are all great and can be added to a curry, pasta dish or pie.
- Eggs – they really are sunny-side up. Scrambled, fried, poached or boiled – eggs make for a quick lunch or tasty weekend brunch.
- Turkey – a festive classic. Don’t worry, you’ll still get the benefits even if it’s a bit dry!
- Potatoes – roasted, mashed or baked… whichever you prefer, load your plate up high.
- Oranges – and other citrus fruits are at their best during the winter months. Enjoy as a snack or try adding to salads or bakes.
- Dark chocolate – we've saved the best till last! Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate - perfect with a cup of tea.
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Mood boosting recipes
Banish winter blues with our Happy Plate recipes from Rosemary Shrager
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Beef tagine
Go to recipe![](/media/scdb5vuo/salmon_dish_1500x1125.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&width=360&height=265&rnd=133444289635270000)
Baked salmon with peanut sauce
Go to recipe![](/media/tz1cy2t0/oat_chicken_1500x1125.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&width=360&height=265&rnd=133445373885330000)
Oat coated chicken with green lentils and roasted red onions
Go to recipeGood Health winter recipes
Food to feel good about winter from Waitrose
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Edamame & tofu noodle salad
Take me there![](/media/egdhni10/salmon_fishcakes_1200x1200.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&width=360&height=265&rnd=133425520372230000)
Speedy salmon fish cakes
Take me there![](/media/rb1nxe2g/harissa_salmon1200x1200.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&width=360&height=265&rnd=133425520299570000)
Harissa salmon with tomatoes
Take me there![](/media/t45j13uc/potato_pea_cauliflower_curry_1200x1200.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&width=360&height=265&rnd=133425521257000000)
Potato, pea and cauliflower curry
Take me there![](/media/flhfctyy/vegan_minestrone_1200x1200.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=80&width=360&height=265&rnd=133425520829630000)