Foods and your Moods
Of course we all know that the foods we eat can have a tremendous affect on our physical health, but what you may not have know is that the food choices we make may even have an affect on our mental health as well.
A recent study found that changes in diet and food choices can make a significant impact on your mental health and even your mood. Specifically, the choices you make in terms of what you eat can make a difference in anxiety, depression and mood swings.
According to the study, foods can be broken down into two main groups: stressors and supporters. Stressors, of course, seem to have a negative impact on our mental health; increasing problems associated with anxiety, depression, etc. while supporters have provide positive benefits to our mental health.
Food stressors include alcohol, sugar, caffeine, dairy, any foods containing wheat, additives and saturated fats and, that’s right…chocolate. Of these foods, sugar ranks the highest as a stressor, followed closely by caffeine, alcohol and chocolate. Supporter foods include water, vegetables and fruits and oil rich fish as well as nuts and seeds, wholegrain foods, fibre foods, protein and organic foods.
While it is interesting to note that the foods which many of us feel are pick-me ups, such as caffeine and chocolate, could actually be contributing to problems associated with mood swings and depression.
Individuals who participated in the above mentioned study found that their mental health improved dramatically when they made changes to their diet, such as limiting foods in the stressor group and increasing foods from the supporter group. Other changes that seemed to provide positive benefits included eating on a regular healthy schedule and making sure to include a healthy breakfast as a part of that eating plan. Regular physical exercise, of course, can also greatly contribute to how well you feel mentally.
If you’re interested in bringing more supporter foods into your daily eating regimen, consider these easy get started tips:
Instead of skipping breakfast, or eating on the run, consider grabbing a piece of fruit as you walk out the door for the office or school.
Start brown bagging it by packing a healthy sandwich on wholegrain bread or a fresh salad with mixed greens.
Opt for fish for dinner at least once a week to up your intake of oil-rich fish.
Finally, don’t forget to steer away from sugar laden desserts. Instead, reach for something with natural sweetness, such as a piece of fresh fruit.
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