Dear Customers,
This week marks the end of the first month of winter. That only leaves two more until spring! When I was younger and spent the winters skiing (both downhill and cross country), I loved winter and truly, enjoyed every snowfall. Now, it doesn’t fill me with the same enthusiasm.
One obvious reason is the cold. A couple more are the ominous gray skies most days and the less than friendly driving conditions! The aforementioned gray skies can (and do) lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It usually develops late in Autumn and throughout Winter but disappears in spring and summer! It is thought to possibly be brought on by a decrease in sunlight which disrupts your body’s internal clock.
It is characterized by feeling listless, sad or down most of the day – every day. Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy, sleeping too much and overeating among several other symptoms.
Getting more sunlight certainly helps but we’re at the mercy of the weatherman here. Eating more fruits and vegetables is associated with mental improvement, increased optimism, happiness, self-esteem and bouncing back from depressing events.
Fortunately for you, the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables in our produce case can help immensely. Oranges are like having your own personal sun, in that they raise vitamin D levels. Blueberries have shown to significantly improve your mood and are among the healthiest foods on earth!
Berries such as strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, leafy greens such as spinach, dark chocolate, salmon and nuts particularly walnuts, almonds and pecans can help keep depression at bay and elevate your mood. Who knew that you could feel better just by eating?