Fox News: 8 Foods to Boost your Holiday Mood
Looking for something to keep you cheery this holiday season? Fox News asked nutritionists and registered dietitians what foods will help you find comfort and elevate your holiday mood. From tart cherries to wild salmon, the eight nutritionists each selected a food and discussed why they like it, why it is a good mood food,and how to eat it.
Coming in at number 3, NYC-based registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Younger Next Week, Elisa Zied, MS, RD, CDN, selected meatballs and spaghetti as her holiday good mood food. Here’s what Elisa had to say:
“Why I like it: Meatballs and spaghetti made with whole-wheat pasta, chicken or turkey meatballs, tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese is one of my favorite winter dishes. Not only is this meal pure comfort food, but the whole-wheat spaghetti packs in complex carbohydrates that energize and fuel the brain, red blood cells and entire central nervous system.
Why it’s a good mood food: ‘The lean ground chicken or turkey provides high-quality protein as well as selenium (an important antioxidant mineral that supports immune function), niacin (a B vitamin that helps the body turn carbohydrates and fat into energy), and vitamin B6 (important for creating ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters like serotonin). Eating protein-rich foods will help keep you satisfied and help your blood sugar levels stay on an even keel.
How to eat it: The key when it comes to eating meatballs and spaghetti—even chicken or turkey meatballs—is to use lean ground chicken or turkey breast, low sodium canned tomato sauce (I also like to use fresh tomato lightly sautéed in a little olive oil sprinkled with garlic and onion powder).”
You can view the full Fox News article and seven other good-mood promising comfort foods here.
Looking for a tasty meatball and pasta recipe? Check out a fun twist with our Angel Hair Caprese Salad Cups.
