The food you eat can make or break your mood. Food effect the mood in thousand ways. There is a famous saying about the food that ‘’you are, what you eat.’’ Basically the science of food’s effect on mood is based on a theory that dietary bring changes in our brain structure which can lead to altered behavior. In real senses you have two brains, one in head and one in your gut. These two brains are connected via nerves that run through your brain down to your abdomen.
- Healthy food choices or healthy eating has the power to trigger your mental health.
- An unhealthy diet high in sugar and fats linked to poor mental health. Start eating natural sugars.
- Long term exposure to unhealthy diet is a risk factor for depression. Replace unhealthy to healthy eating.
- Unhealthy eating is addictive. Once you get started binge eating you get addicted to it. So it is better to think before you eat.
- There is a strong relation between sugar and stress. Consuming high sugar content food trigger stress.
Eating unhealthy foods sometime to escape bad mood is known as mindful eating. When mindful practices are applied it leads to less emotional and binge eating.
- Try food that releases energy slowly like nuts, seeds, oats, whole grains.
- Drink more water, diluted fruit juices, green tea, herbal tea etc
- Rainbow veggies can alter your energy and mood by providing minerals and colors to your diet.
- Healthy gut food includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, live yoghurts.
Some Suggestions:
When you are sleepy:
- When you are sleepy all day change your eating habits.
- Cut caffeine. Not only tea, coffee but also hot chocolates and energy drinks.
- Start to take lighter dinners.
- Skip alcohol at night.
- Have a chicken sandwich, banana, avocado or baked potato for dinner.
When you are sad:
- If you feel down and sad, try high carbohydrate and protein foods.
- Have brown rice, fat-free milk, egg white, low-fat cheese, salad with dressing, almonds, dried fruits, orange juice.
When you are feeling dull:
When you are feeling dull try drinking a cup of coffee. To maintain a pleasant temporary buzz, limit yourself to 1-3 small cups of coffee per day.
When you are depressed:
Eat more fish when you are depressed. It contains omega-3 fatty acid which ease symptoms of depression. Eat wild pacific salmon, farmed catfish croaker or head dock.
When you are irritable:
If you have a short fuse and you are depressed. Cut out caffeine and sugar from your diet for one to two weeks or until symptoms of wellness develop.
When you are under fatigue:
Fatigue is the sign of iron deficiency and anemia. Try having beans and veggies.
Healthy eating is the key factor to stay healthy. When you stay physically healthy you feel mentally healthy.