Eat Colour for a Brighter Mind: How Food Impacts Your Mood & Focus
Have you ever noticed how the food on your plate affects your mood? It’s not just about nutrients—it’s about how food makes you feel.
When you fill your plate with vibrant, colourful whole foods, you’re not just supporting your body; you’re feeding your mind, emotions, and energy levels.
For women over 40, balancing hormones, managing stress, and maintaining mental clarity becomes more important than ever. And the simplest way to do this? Eat more colour.
The Science of Colour & Mood
Each food colour is linked to different phytonutrients—powerful plant compounds that influence the brain and nervous system. Many of these directly affect mood, memory, and stress resilience.
🔴 Red: The Energy & Confidence Booster
Found in: Tomatoes, strawberries, pomegranates, red peppers, beetroot.
Why? Rich in lycopene and vitamin C, red foods support blood flow to the brain, improving focus and concentration. Beetroot, in particular, has been shown to enhance oxygen delivery, making it great for endurance and mental stamina.
💡 Mood Boost: Helps with motivation, drive, and energy—perfect if you’re feeling sluggish or need a confidence boost before a big day.
🟠 Orange & Yellow: The Stress Soothers
Found in: Sweet potatoes, mangoes, carrots, turmeric, citrus fruits.
Why? These foods are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C, supporting adrenal function and reducing the impact of stress on the body. Turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, is known for lifting mood and reducing anxiety.
💡 Mood Boost: Great for calming nerves and reducing stress-related fatigue—ideal for busy days when everything feels overwhelming.
🟢 Green: The Hormone & Mood Balancer
Found in: Kale, spinach, avocado, rocket, broccoli, cucumbers, herbs.
Why? Green foods contain magnesium, which is crucial for relaxation, sleep, and stress management. They also help balance oestrogen levels, making them essential for women in perimenopause and menopause.
💡 Mood Boost: Promotes calmness, relaxation, and hormonal balance, helping with sleep and reducing irritability.
🔵🔮 Blue & Purple: The Brain Protectors
Found in: Blueberries, blackberries, red cabbage, aubergine, black grapes.
Why? These foods are packed with anthocyanins, which improve memory, cognitive function, and emotional stability. Studies suggest that eating berries regularly can delay brain aging by up to 2.5 years!
💡 Mood Boost: Enhances mental clarity, focus, and emotional stability—perfect for those days when brain fog kicks in.
🤍🤎 White & Brown: The Gut Healers
Found in: Garlic, onions, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, cauliflower.
Why? White foods often contain prebiotics, feeding the good bacteria in your gut. Since 90% of serotonin (your happiness hormone) is produced in the gut, supporting digestion directly improves mood.
💡 Mood Boost: Aids digestion and emotional regulation, keeping your gut and mind in sync.
How to Eat for a Better Mood (Without Overthinking It!)
Eating the rainbow shouldn’t be complicated. A few simple tweaks can make all the difference—helping you feel more energised, focused, and emotionally balanced.
🌈 Quick Ways to Add Colour to Every Meal
✅ Add red berries or pomegranate to your morning porridge.
✅ Throw spinach or avocado into your smoothie.
✅ Make a turmeric latte for an afternoon pick-me-up.
✅ Swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes for extra fibre and mood support.
✅ Snack on hummus and rainbow veg sticks instead of crisps.
✅ Cook a stir-fry with red peppers, carrots, and purple cabbage for an easy, nourishing dinner.
The Takeaway: Eat Colour, Feel Better
Food is more than fuel—it’s emotional nourishment. By adding more colour to your plate, you’re supporting your brain, balancing stress, and making it easier to thrive every day.
So next time you prepare a meal, ask yourself: How can I make this more vibrant?
Because the more colour you eat, the brighter you’ll feel. 🌈✨