Healthy Hollywood: 4 Foods To Fight The Winter Blues

Nutritionist Keri Glassman, who regularly shares her expertise on Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live, is answering your nutrition, diet and health questions.

Want to know how celebrities are getting their fabulous post-baby bodies? And, if their diet plan is right for you? Is there a downside to the latest diet trend? Keri is here to help!

This week’s question…

“With all the gloomy, snowy weather lately, I can’t seem to peel myself off the couch with a bag of chips. Any foods that could help get me out of this funk?” –Angel R., New York, NY

Keri says…

It can’t be denied that this weather is taking a toll – on our moods. And motivation levels. You can see it in peoples’ eyes on the streets. There is a look of sheer defeat from Mother Nature’s harsh ways. Lounging on the couch with a big ol’ bag of chips can be quite tempting when the alternative is braving the brash outdoors. But I say give that bag a big ole kick to the snowy curb, get up, and fuel your body with foods that will help you fight those gloomy snowy day blues.

Start Complex:
Start your day off with complex carbohydrates. Try steel cut oats with a little almond milk and some fresh blueberries. Or if you’re in the mood for something savory go for quinoa topped with a scrambled egg and parmesan cheese. Complex carbohydrates have been found to help improve mood…buh-bye winter blues…by boosting serotonin levels.

Add In Omegas:
Omega 3 fatty acids have been touted as a defender against a down in the dumps mood. Studies have found increasing omega 3’s can improve depressive symptoms in those suffering from clinical depression. Regardless of this power, omega 3’s are also good for your heart and your waistline. Skip the mac and cheese and take 10 minutes to make a grilled salmon diner. Or add a helping of flax seeds or walnuts to your afternoon Greek yogurt. I think I see you smiling already.

Fill Up On Folate:
Folate has also been shown to improve mood. Add some black beans to your same old same old salad or try eating a bowl of vegetarian chili packed with kidney beans. This will not only give you folate to help ward off the winter blues but also provide protein and fiber to help keep you full and power through the day.

Ditch Packaged Foods:
Not only is it important to add in foods that will help to boost your mood and help motivate you off that couch, but it’s also important to remember to leave out the highly processed foods. 5 degree weather doesn’t make most of us scream “let’s hit the farmer’s market for a stroll” but eating fresh foods over processed foods has been shown to increase mood. Ditch the chips (and whatever else you may be curling up with on the couch) and get to know some winter fruits.

— Terri MacLeod & Keri Glassman