Sweet Potatoes: My children’s elementary school recently had a nutrition tasting and on the menu was roasted sweet potato chips-sliced thin with a mandolin, drizzled with olive oil and salt…a great after school snack! Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, and copper. Magnesium especially can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression

Eggs: Eggs often get a bad reputation; truth is, they are one of my favorite foods to recommend! Eggs (the yolk, not the white) are an excellent source of choline; choline is needed to produce acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for memory, mood and muscle control.

Bell Peppers: Green and red peppers are packed with Vitamin B6, an essential nutrient for normal brain development and function; Vitamin B6 helps the body make the hormones serotonin, norepinephrine, and  melatonin–which help manage stress and sleep; both of which are essential during these fall into winter months. Try slicing raw peppers and dipping them into hummus, or stuffing them with your favorite Spanish rice.

Chocolate: All of us at some point have thought about eating chocolate when we are feeling a little down…but does it really help? Scientifically speaking yes! Chocolate has been shown to improve depression and anxiety; flavonoid and methylxanthines are the key nutrients. Choose dark chocolate over milk because it has a higher percentage of cocoa; add a spoonful of natural peanut butter for a savory combination!