You probably already realize that when you reach for a snack, it is best to choose something healthy.  After all, if you pick up something like a candy bar or soda, you will get a quick rush followed by a miserable sugar crash.  Foods that lack nutrients may taste good at first, but they will leave your body depleted and empty.

Food scientists are increasingly finding that food choices can definitely impact our moods.  There are certain foods packed with nutrition and vitamins that are perfect for snacking.  These choices will keep you happy, healthy and full of energy.

Here are some ideas for the types of foods you should be eating:

Bananas -- Bananas have long been touted as a fruit that can improve our mood.  After all, they have a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients including Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, protein and potassium.  The fructose in a banana will give you a boost and the fiber keeps you from crashing afterwards.  Bananas also have tryptophan, which is converted into mood-enhancing serotonin.

Walnuts -- Walnuts are another great mood lifting food.  Each nut is packed with omega-3s, and vitamin 6.  Walnuts also provide your body with tryptophan and folate.

Sunflower Seeds -- Sunflower Seeds are another great choice to fill you up and improve your mood at the same time.  These little seeds include folate and magnesium, which improves body function and adds to relaxation and calm.  Often nutritionists and doctors recommend magnesium supplements for depression and anxiety.  Another benefit of sunflower seeds is that they have plenty of fiber, which maintains hormone levels.  Lastly, the folate in sunflower seeds is shown to improve depression and irritability.

Dark Chocolate -- Most people will not be surprised to hear that eating dark chocolate can improve your mood.  After all, how could eating one of your favorite foods not make you feel better?  Aside from the caffeine found in chocolate, phenylethylamine, tyramine, tryptophan and magnesium are all found and each has been shown to be effective in improving the mood.  Needless to say, chocolate is also delicious and that factor can improve mood in and of itself.  However, I'm not referring to your typical milk chocolate bar.  I'm speaking of dark chocolate with a high cacao content.  Cocoa is full of antioxidants, which boost oxygenation in the brain, allowing us to feel and think better.  Go with chocolate that is as dark as possible to get the maximum dose of antioxidants.

Eggs -- The last recommended snack for improving mood is eggs.  Eggs are packed with protein and omega-3s.  Also they have vitamin B12 or riboflavin, which produces energy and fights depression.  One egg contains more than 20% the RDA of tryptophan.  However, always make sure that your eggs are organic and free-range.  According to a study at Penn State, organic eggs have three times the level of omega-3 over regular eggs. The yolks of organic eggs also have more Vitamin E and Vitamin A.

You will quickly find that if you are eating healthy snacks filled with nutrients, you will be less likely to want to reach for those chips or that candy bar in the first place. Your body will be feeling satisfied and full of energy.  Of course, when you are not eating the foods mentioned above, it is a good idea to pack your diet with as many superfoods as possible.

Sources
wftv.com
rps.psu.edu