Are you feeling low? several times after a long day at work, most of us feel all wrung out like a wet rag, our stress level reaching dangerous levels and body feeling relatively low than usual.

Though this seems like a very grim picture, but honestly the case with most of us. Next time if you feel like hit by this moody syndrome, then forget shopping or hanging out with friends. And gulp down a glass of milk or bite into a chocolate instead. Confused? But that’s really true.

Trust me it has been established now that right kind of food is an instant mood supper and helps great deal in beating the blues, which strikes every one of us often. so, if you looking for the list of such food stuffs that can actually set your mood right, here goes the list for all you moody people.

Guzzle up

Water keeps you alert and boosts memory, and is responsible for basic functional activities of your nervous system. It has been proved that kids who drink plenty of water can concentrate better as compared to those who don’t. Drink at least 7-8 glasses of water every day.

Breakfast bonanza

Breakfast gives a boost to your energy levels that help you to last the day. Carbohydrates like porridge, oats and proteins like milk forms an ideal breakfast.

Carb carvings

Food rich in carbohydrates increases tryptohan levels, thus promoting the release of serotonin- a hormone that soothes you. Food rich in fibre are rich in complex carbs. Potatoes with their skin on are great source of natural dietary fibre. Such complex carbs are good but one should avoid simplex processed sugar, as it provides you with instant energy but can lead to an instant low too.

B good, always

B vitamins especially thiamine or B1 and riboflavin or B2, are anti-stress vitamins. Dry fruits like almonds, pulses and whole grains are good sources of these vitamins.

Chocolate catch

Chocolate also triggers the release of serotonin. Both chocolate and coffee have caffeine, which stimulates your brain and makes you alert. An average cup of tea contains 50 mg of caffeine while a cup of coffee contains 70-100 mg. so, if you want an instant kick, coffee is your drink.

The very mention of Indian cooking makes one think of rich aromatic foods that have been cooked with a variety of spices. However, the art of Indian cooking lies in the selection and combination of spices rather than their quantity. Spices are used in such a manner and quality as to bring out the characteristic flavors of a dish.

In north India, the most commonly used spices are the red chilli, coriander, cumin and turmeric powders. These spices impart both pungency and flavor to the dish. Garam masala powders are also used in selected dishes to enhance aroma and spiciness. In certain recipes whole spice like cumin seeds, cardamoms and cloves are used to impart their characteristic aromas.

Though all these spices are available commercially as packaged masalas and powders, but to ensure that the spices are fresh, it is preferable to use whole spices and grind them fresh each time in a blender or with a mortar and pestle.

How to prepare garam masala at home

Art of roasting spices:

Before grinding, the spices are sometimes roasted to bring out the characteristic aromas. To roast, place spices in a small heavy skillet on medium heat. Stir continuously until the spices darken by a few shades and give out their distinct aromas.

Below are recipes of garam masala both in north Indian as well as in eastern Indian style.

Garam masala-north Indian style

Ingredients:
20 gms peppercorns;10 gms cloves;20 gms cinnamon;15 gms brown cardamoms peeled;10 gms caraway or cumin seeds

Method:

Lightly roast all ingredients on a griddle. Grind to a powder and sieve.

Garam masala- eastern Indian style

Ingredients:
20gms cloves; 20gms cinnamon; 20gms green cardamoms peeled

Method:

Lightly roast all ingredients on a griddle. Grind to a powder and sieve.

Preparation of sambhar powder in south Indian style

One of the prime requisites of south Indian cooking is the sambhar powder. No south Indian home is without it and each region of south India in turn has its own interesting version of the sambhar powder.

Ingredients:
25 gms whole dry red chillies;25 gms coriander leaves;10 gms Bengal gram;1 tsp fenugreek seeds;2 ½ cm pieces turmeric;1 tsp peppercorns

Method:

Lightly roast all the ingredients on a griddle. Grind to a powder and sieve.