Heartbreak is when you’re standing in your kitchen at 2 AM, wondering why you ever thought love was a good idea. Here’s the thing about food: it magically comforts you in ways that words can’t. With that, we often seek comfort foods like a box of chocolate or a tub of ice cream. But honestly, we can’t go on forever eating the most unhealthy foods. For a change, we’re bringing you the 10 healthy foods to relieve a heartbreak.
10. Fermented Foods
Breakup calls for emotional stability, and fermented foods just do the trick. Remember, your gut produces 90% of your body’s serotonin, so keeping it healthy would help stabilize your emotions. Fermented foods are packed with probiotics that support the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, directly impacting your mood and anxiety levels.
9. Bone Broth Soup
Bone Broth is a warm hug in a bowl. It is rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, which support neurotransmitter function and can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. The collagen supports gut health (remember that gut-brain connection), and the warmth that you can get from sipping. Make sure to add some vegetables and herbs, and let the process of nourishing yourself become a form of moving meditation.
8. Sweet Potatoes
When you’re heartbroken, you often put your mind to doing other things. With that, you will need enough quick energy to go on. Refined ones will send you on an emotional rollercoaster. Grab a sweet potato instead, as they provide complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly, preventing mood crashes. They’re also rich in beta-carotene (which your body converts to vitamin A), supporting immune function when stress has you run down.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to be as effective as some antidepressants in clinical studies. Chronic heartbreak creates inflammation in the body, and turmeric actively fights back. The ritual of preparing something healing can be as therapeutic as consuming it.
6. Bananas
Bananas are like portable therapy sessions. These yellow fruits are rich in vitamin B6, which helps your brain produce your daily serotonin and norepinephrine. It’s also a neurotransmitter that can regulate your mood and stress response. Most of all, it contains natural sugar, which provides quick energy for your broken heart.
5. Avocados
Rather than giving your brokenhearted friend some chocolates, opt for an avocado. Why? They contain the right amount of monounsaturated fats, which support brain health, making them deserving of their hype. Also, they contain folate and omega-3s, which are natural mood booster that helps them feel bright both inside and out. Its creamy texture screams comfort, so add it to smoothies or toast.
4. Dark Chocolate
Good news, chocolate made the healthy list, but make it dark. It has a high cacao content, which contains compounds that boost endorphin and serotonin production. It also contains magnesium, which helps with stress and sleep. The key is choosing quality over quantity. Note that a small piece of really good dark chocolate, mindfully enjoyed, beats a whole bag of processed candy.
3. Greek Yogurt with Berries
Here’s the perfect alternative for a tub of ice cream. Your gut health directly impacts your mood through the gut-brain connection, and Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics that support healthy gut bacteria. The protein helps stabilize blood sugar (preventing those emotional crashes), while adding berries provides antioxidants that combat stress-induced inflammation.
2. Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids act like a premium fuel for your brain. The fatty fish, on the other hand, supports them. Studies show that omega-3s can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, exactly what you need when you’re questioning every life choice you’ve ever made. Try out salmon, sardines, or mackerel for dinner, and you’ll feel like you’re doing something genuinely good for yourself.
1. Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens are packed with folate, which helps produce serotonin and dopamine. For instance, spinach contains magnesium, which reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and helps regulate your sleep cycle when your mind won’t stop racing at 3 AM. Turn them into a smoothie with berries for some sweetness.