Follow a healthy diet plan that provides a good balance of all the important nutrients and an adequate amount of fiber. Be sure to include clean, lean protein foods such as fish, chicken, tofu, and plenty of fresh vegetables, especially greens.

It is important to keep your blood-sugar levels in balance. Eat five or six small meals a day rather than three large ones, and eat healthy snacks when you feel hungry.

Include in your diet low-fat dairy products, bananas, soy-based foods, and turkey. These foods are natural sources of tryptophan, which is necessary for the formation of serotonin.

Avoid the artificial stimulation produced by alcohol and caffeine. While both of these substances are stimulating initially, the stimulation is ultimately followed by a depressed state.

Getting the proper amounts of amino acids in the system is very important. Therefore, the type of foods one should concentrate on are raw, fresh vegetables and a balance of protein foods. Complex carbohydrates are particularly important for the individual who has a low level of serotonin. A problem in getting the depressed person to eat healthfully is to overcome the feeling of not wanting to be bothered thinking about diet or not having the energy to prepare a nutritious meal. One suggestion is to make easy meals in quantity once a week. A large amount of salad, for instance, can be stored in the refrigerator. This will help an individual to eat wholesome food for several days without too much fuss.

Our diet not only plays an important role in good health, it can also negatively impact emotions and result in depression. The following foods should be avoided to prevent a nutritional or chemical imbalance that could cause or contribute to depression: fast foods, simple carbohydrates (this is particularly important for people with low blood sugar), alcohol, artificial sweeteners, white flour products, and caffeine.