With Blue Monday out of the way and the new year in full swing, it’s time to dust off those cobwebs and start feeling positive, happy and healthy. Even if you’re not planning to diet or join the Dryathlon this month, you can boost your mood by making some good food choices.

Of course, good food choices don’t have to be boring. Yes, we know you know avocado is a superfood and that mackerel will boost brain power, but we’re betting you want to know great things about the foods you actually want to eat!

To give your happiest January yet a kick-start, the team at Rangecookers.co.uk has handpicked five fun foods that are guaranteed to beat those blues and provided a handy serving suggestion too.

Five Fun Foods to Boost Your Mood

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
Yes, yes, YES! It’s true, Vanilla ice cream contains a big old dose of phosphorous, which can boost your libido. Sex, in turn reduces stress and promotes the production of endorphins - the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals - which helps lift your libido.

Try it: Add a scoop to a slice of Pineapple Upside Down Cake, as pineapple provides an energy boost rapidly after it's eaten, which may come in handy…




2. Bananas
Lethargic or feeling low? Have a banana! Packed with tryptophan, an amino acid that increases serotonin levels, this favourite fruit can help to regulate your mood. They also include vitamin B6, which can relieve symptoms of depression, so go bananas and tuck in!

Try it: Kick-start your day with a Banana Milkshake that only takes five minutes to prepare




3. Marmite
A sure-fire opinion divider, Marmite is actually a real mood enhancer. It is fortified with vitamin B12, which is key to balancing your mood and reducing anxiety, stress and the symptoms of depression.

Try it: On wholegrain toast – to double up your dose of B vitamins




4. Venison
Packed with protein, low in fat and containing half the recommended daily amount of zinc, venison is a delicious and healthy addition to your New Year diet. It will supercharge your immune system and improve your skin, so you look and feel great.

Try it: Have a go at Nick Nairn’s Roast Venison recipe, cooked in a Falcon range cooker




5. Cheese
Forget the diet – if you want to feel good, eat cheese! Research has shown that it can actually help you to sleep better. This is because it contains calcium, which is essential for creating melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone. More sleep = better mood, so get that cheeseboard out.

Try it: As an indulgent treat – Jamie Oliver’s gooey Baked Camembert recipe is irresistible


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