Smarter supermarket shopping can have you feeling great in 2009!
It was possibly one of your New Year's resolutions...a brand new diet and a promise to cut back on caffeine, sugar and alcohol – sound familiar? If everything isn't exactly going to plan so far, don't worry - we have compiled a list of easy and simple foods to throw in your weekly online supermarket trolley which will go a long way to improving your mood and energy. In addition to this, by using mySupermarket to compare Sainsbury's food prices on each item while you shop, and by checking out Sainsbury's Offers, your budget will improve too! That would put anyone in a good mood!
Bananas
One of the best mood foods available, bananas also contain no fat or cholesterol and are easy to digest – making them a great alternative to sugary snacks. Bananas are an excellent source of tryptohan, an amino acid which helps your brain produce serotonin, leading to an enhanced mood. They are also rich in vitamin B6, fibre, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium – leaving you with increased and sustained energy levels.
Compare Sainsbury's food prices – head to the Sainsbury's
Banana shelf >
Almonds
A handful of almonds a day keeps the doctor away. Almonds contain the chemical phenylalanine which encourages our brain to produce more natural mood stabilizing hormones such as dopamine and noradrenaline. Almonds have quite a high fat content so just a handful a day is required to get the mood enhancing benefits without putting on any kilos.
Compare Sainsbury's food prices – head to the Sainsbury's Nuts & Seeds shelf >
Dark Chocolate
Most of us have moments when we crave chocolate and nothing else will do – but instead of reaching for a milk chocolate bar, limit yourself to one square of dark chocolate instead. Not only will it hit the spot, you will get the mood and energy elevation that you are looking for as well as benefit from the high antioxidants properties.
Compare Sainsbury's food prices – head to the Sainsbury's Chocolate shelf >
Kiwifruit
One of the most nutrient full fruits available, Kiwifruit is low in calories, high in energy and an excellent source of antioxidants. It contains insositol which encourages brain function as well as serotonin to help have a calming effect on your mood. In addition, it is one of the richest sources of vitamin C around!
Compare Sainsbury's food prices – head to the Sainsbury's Kiwifruit shelf >
If you want to know which foods are healthier for you than your usual choices, use the mySupermarket Health Checker while you shop. You can compare the calorie count and nutritional information for each product you buy and mySupermarket will suggest healthier options to swap to – making it as easy as possible for you to stick to that New Year's resolution of a better diet!