Skip to main content
Popular fast food logos: Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks
Jennifer Aniston gives Benny Blanco a stylish hair makeover
Top summer fragrances of 2026 recommended by beauty editors

Food

4 Foods You Should Have Every Morning For A Better Day, According To Doctors

October 3, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
Featured image

We could all use a mood-boost these days. It seems like the bad news just keeps coming and coming in 2020. What if I told you that experts agree your diet can play a major role in your happiness?

From dark chocolate to nuts, the chances are these foods will work to help most people feel better over time. “Try adding a few of these foods to your diet and see how well they work for you,” Dr. Carrie Lam tells us.

See what Dr. Lam and her colleagues in the medical profession say are the top mood-boosting foods you should eat every morning for a better day:

READ MORE: 4 Teas You Should Have Right After You Wake Up For A Better Day

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Image from SHEfinds

Dark Chocolate

"If there is a universal mood boosting food, it may well be dark chocolate," Dr. Carrie Lam, MD, FAAMFM, ABAARM says.

Research shows that eating approximately an ounce and a half of dark chocolate every day for two weeks reduces levels of stress hormones, including cortisol, and participants undergoing intensely stressful situations, she explains.

Image from SHEfinds

Nuts

Nuts, "reduce mental stress," Dr. Poornima Shah from the Art of Living Retreat Center tells us.

 

"A source of good fats, nuts are rich in linoleic acid, magnesium, and antioxidants that help the body and mind counter stress by containing the cortisol levels."

Image from SHEfinds

Oatmeal

"Oats are high in soluble fiber which can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and boost mood," Dr. Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, reveals to us.

Image from SHEfinds

Salmon

"Salmon (ideally wild) is also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the body, which can also be a source of mood imbalances or high stress," Dr. Brooke Scheller, DCN, CNS and Director of Nutrition at Freshly says.

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken on a table.
Checking the time on a watch while enjoying breakfast.
Grocery store deli meats, hot dogs, and sausages on display.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with crispy fries, salad, and sauces.
Frozen pizza variety available in a grocery store.
Fried fish served with fries on a plate.
Spilling vitamin C pills into a hand for dosage.
Purple sweet potato held by a woman with stomach discomfort.
Moringa powder and leaves displayed on a surface.
Woman using fabric softener while doing laundry at home.
Fit woman enjoying avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and walnuts.
Cottage cheese topped with fresh berries in a bowl.
Best yogurt options alongside worst processed meats comparison.
Stracciatella dipped cookie sandwiches from Aldi on display.
Pan-fried salmon served with kale on a plate.
Black bean taco salad bowl filled with fresh ingredients.
Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken on a table.
Checking the time on a watch while enjoying breakfast.
Grocery store deli meats, hot dogs, and sausages on display.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with crispy fries, salad, and sauces.
Frozen pizza variety available in a grocery store.
Fried fish served with fries on a plate.
Spilling vitamin C pills into a hand for dosage.
Purple sweet potato held by a woman with stomach discomfort.
Moringa powder and leaves displayed on a surface.
Woman using fabric softener while doing laundry at home.
Fit woman enjoying avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and walnuts.
Cottage cheese topped with fresh berries in a bowl.
Best yogurt options alongside worst processed meats comparison.
Stracciatella dipped cookie sandwiches from Aldi on display.
Pan-fried salmon served with kale on a plate.
Black bean taco salad bowl filled with fresh ingredients.