Eat a clean, healthy diet
During the colder months especially, you tend to crave comfort foods that warm the body physically by packing on a little extra fat. (Mac and cheese, anyone?) While there's nothing wrong with having healthy fat in your diet, you can end up craving high glycemic carbs and other sugary delights that produce the exact opposite effect on our mood, possibly causing a crash in energy and an increasingly negative mindset. "Research suggests that the gut is home to many neurotransmitters [that affect mood], so in order to stay balanced, it's imperative to maintain a healthy diet as part of your depression management plan," explains Blough. "Keep SAD at bay by eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies, particularly those rich in beta-carotene such as sweet potatoes, broccoli or peaches, leafy greens and Vitamin-C packed berries, tomatoes or peppers." Also, add foods high in vitamin E, such as nuts and seeds, lean proteins, and these low-glycemic snacks into your diet and make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water.