Feeling incompetent, inadequate and unloved often becomes the reason of anxiety among many individuals.
If you have a low self-confidence, you’d consistently have self-critical thoughts that may eventually lead to depression.
It’s time to stop blaming yourself for every negative situation in your life and improve your self-confidence before anxiety drowns you.
How to do that?
Eating confidence-boosting foods can help! Yes, you heard us right. Your self-confidence has a link with your food intake.
Here’s the list:
1. Green Vegetables
Green, leafy vegetables contain high amounts of essential minerals that can help boost your confidence levels. Vegetables such as spinach contain serotonin that has a positive effect on mood. According to a research, serotonin has an effect on neuron functions and can influence mood, cravings, energy levels, and sleep. It’s also used for treating several medical conditions including depression.
No wonder it’s commonly called the “confidence neurochemical”!
Moreover, green vegetables also contain iron, which is an important nutrient for women since their iron levels drop due to menstrual bleeding.
Wondering why’s that important?
Because a lack of iron in your body can also cause you to have a low self-esteem among other various health issues.
By eating more iron-rich foods, your body will create more red blood cells, and you’ll naturally feel more confident and energetic.
2. Seed and Nuts
There’s nothing better than snacking on nuts or pumpkin seeds for an energy boost. Nuts and seeds contain essential minerals and oils that can boost mental health, help you relax, and give you more confidence.
Nuts also contain high levels of serotonin which can make you feel happier and more energized. Common nuts and seeds to help boost your confidence include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Peanuts
- Cashew Nuts
- Almonds
- Flax Seeds
- Walnuts
You can replace an unhealthy snack with these nuts and seeds, or you can munch on them to fulfill your food cravings during your period.
3. Unrefined Carbohydrates
There’s a reason why carbohydrates make up most of our diets. It’s because carbohydrates are easily broken down by the digestive system, giving your body an instant dose of energy. However, the type of carbohydrates that you eat also affects your mood and confidence.
The best carbohydrates to boost confidence levels are unrefined carbs found in many vegetables, whole grains, lentils, and fruit. Eating these carbs will help you feel energized for longer, and you’ll feel confident throughout the day.
4. Fish and Other Seafood
According to research, fish contains high levels of Omega 3 Fatty acids, which may help improve your mental state. Omega 3 fatty acids play an important role in forming the neurotransmitters that transfer information between your brain and body.
It has also been associated with a positive mood, better memory, and mental satisfaction.
Remember, self-confidence is all about your mental health. So, giving your brain the right nutrients will help you improve your confidence as well.
5. Lean Meats
Are you feeling low on energy? You’re probably lacking protein.
While carbohydrates will give an instant boost of energy, proteins take time to work and will help your body repair in the longer run. It’s no wonder that most energy shakes contain high amounts of protein!
Eat more lean meats if you want to add more protein to your diet without any side effects. This includes fish, chicken, and lamb.
6. Dark Chocolate
It’s no surprise that dark chocolate can help boost your mood, increase your energy levels and make you feel happy and relaxed. After all, who doesn’t love chocolates?
Do you have a craving for chocolate during your period? If yes, then stock up on dark chocolates this month!
Research has shown that the high cocoa content in dark chocolate can help improve your mood since it contains endorphins. Cocoa also contains the hallucinogen that produces serotonin, which improves self-confidence.
7. Bananas
Have you ever wondered why bananas are the staple food for most athletes? That’s because they make you feel energetic and active!
Additionally, ripe bananas can increase your dopamine levels, making you happier and more confident.
Lastly, remember that confidence is also linked to other lifestyle activities like regular exercise, meditation, and self-care. So, get your body moving and live your life to the fullest every single day!
Plus, during your periods, choose the most comfortable sanitary pads that can give you protection without causing any rashes or irritation, such as the Sensitives maxi long napkins.
