The Mood, Food & Exercise Link

Keeping motivated over winter can be hard. Continual rain, snow or cold weather can be enough to make even the most positive person feel a little unmotivated. The good news is that eating well and exercising regularly can actually boost your mood.

Eating regular, nutritious meals keeps your body in healthy condition. Researchers have also found that certain foods can improve your mood. "Good mood" foods to make sure you're including in your diet are:

**Fish, flaxseed, and other foods high in omega 3s - good for your brain, and can boost your mood
**Lean red meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables, and other foods high in iron - keep your energy levels up and helps prevent feelings of fatigue and lethargy
**Leafy green vegetables, whole-grain breads, lean meat, and other foods high in B vitamins - keep energy levels high and prevent depression
**Brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole-grain breads, and other low G.I. foods - boost serotonin levels, keep blood sugar levels steady and controls mood
**Exercise also helps boost your mood. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins work within your body to reduce feelings of pain, control appetite, and produce euphoric feelings. A regular exercise program helps you produce more endorphins, and in turn plenty of good feelings.

To keep on track with your weight control this winter, remember the three keys to success: mood, food, and exercise! With a healthy balance of all three, you'll find yourself feeling motivated, positive, and successful - even if there is a thunderstorm raging outside.