eggs with faces sitting in porcelain half shells colored pink, yellow and blue

Let’s be honest—sometimes your bad mood isn’t because Mercury’s in retrograde. It might just be because you haven’t had a decent snack.

Did you know that food and mood are deeply connected? That’s right! Certain foods have the power to lift you up, calm you down, and keep you from spiraling into that weird 3 pm gloom where everything feels like a personal attack.

So - just for you - here are 8 foods that don’t just feed your body—they feed your soul too.

dark chocolate bar and cacao beans sitting on wooden table

1. Dark Chocolate - Mood Level: Romantic Comedy Ending

Straight from the cacao bean (which technically makes it a plant-based superfood—LOL), dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids and compounds that boost serotonin and endorphins. It also contains a little caffeine, so it gently perks you up without the espresso jitters. Just a square or two can lift your spirits . . . unless you eat the whole bar . . . in which case - good luck getting your jeans on.

2. Salmon - Mood Level: Post-Yoga Glow

This lovely pink fish hails from cold, clean waters and comes packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which play a huge role in brain health and mood regulation. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in the brain and may even ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Plus, grilled salmon makes you feel like the kind of person who drinks lemon water and organizes their closet just for fun. LOL

whole and sliced bananas sitting on wooden cutting board on wood table

3. Bananas - Mood Level: Bright-Eyed Morning Person

Bananas are nature’s little yellow smile machines. They contain vitamin B6, which helps synthesize feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Bonus - they’re full of fiber, which keeps your blood sugar steady. Also, they come in their own wrapper. Convenient and cheerful.

saurkraut and pickled beets in glass jars on a wooden cutting board sitting on a wood table

4. Fermented Foods - Mood Level: Hipster Gut Health Guru

We’re talking yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi—basically anything that smells questionable but keeps your digestion on track. These fermented wonders are full of probiotics, which nourish your gut microbiome. And guess what? Your gut makes up almost 90% of your serotonin. So your mood actually does live in your stomach!

raspberries, blackberries and blueberries in a basket on a wooden picnic table

5. Berries - Mood Level: Summer Playlist Vibes

Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries—tiny bursts of happiness that grow on bushes. These fruits are packed with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress (think brain fog, crankiness and existential dread). Berries also support a healthy brain, and they’re so pretty they basically double as edible self-care. And if you’re feeling really wicked - coat those berries in dark chocolate. Double whammy!

6. Leafy Greens - Mood Level: Calm, Centered and Maybe a Little Smug

Spinach, kale, Swiss chard—these leafy powerhouses are rich in folate, a B vitamin that helps regulate mood and reduce fatigue. A folate deficiency has even been linked to depression. So next time you’re feeling low, maybe skip the sad salad and go for one that’s loaded with real greens. Add on a spicy vinaigrette and you’ll be smiling in no time!

brown eggs with faces drawn on the shells sitting in glass tray

7. Eggs - Mood Level: Confident Adulting

Eggs are little orbs of nutritional gold. They’re high in choline, which supports brain function, and they contain vitamin D and B12—both linked to mood regulation and mental clarity. Scrambled, poached or boiled, eggs are a great breakfast if you’re trying to actually start your day - instead of just scrolling through your phone and hoping for the best.

almonds, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and sunflower seeds in wooden bowl sitting on wood table

8. Nuts and Seeds - Mood Level: Trail Mix Philosopher

Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are all rich in magnesium—a mineral that helps with stress management and nerve function. They also contain tryptophan, which converts to serotonin. Keep a stash in your bag so you’re always armed with crunchy little mood-stabilizers. Just maybe skip the ones coated in sugar and chili powder - LOL.