In the chaos and mayhem of modern life, we are all always looking for that quick-fix solution to eating healthily. We rely on convenience and easy access to fast food, believing that healthy options are the key. There is a strong link between what we eat and the way we feel, but all too often, this link can be an unhealthy one. However, there are simple things we can do to restore the balance between our eating habits and our sense of wellbeing.
Food as Fuel for Wellbeing
We know we can get away with the odd lapse in our eating habits – but if we are continually trying to make our very complex bodily systems work using food which is all wrong for those systems, then the first signs that something is going wrong are often to do with mental health: irritability, mood swings, and concentration. Physical signs can take longer to develop: obesity, heart issues, blood pressure, and physical fitness in general.
Food plays an important role in regulating mood, brain power, and overall mental health. Choosing nutritious food and making sure meals are balanced isn’t just a matter of physical health – it’s a significant contributor to mental clarity, emotional stability, and psychological resilience.
Nutrients that Nourish the Mind
Certain nutrients have been identified as crucial for supporting mental wellbeing, and incorporating these nutrients into your eating habits will help hugely.
| What | Where | Why |
| Omega-3 fatty acids |
· oily fish · flaxseeds · walnuts |
· to manage mood · to manage brain health |
| Antioxidants |
· fruit · vegetables |
· to protect the brain from stress · to promote brain function · to reduce the risk of mental decline |
| B Vitamins |
· whole grains · leafy greens · pulses (chickpeas, lentils etc) |
· to positively influence mood · to improve brain function |
How many of these nutrients do you regularly include in the things you eat?
Balancing Mood through Diet:
The foods we eat have a massive impact on our mood and emotional wellbeing – and not everything we eat these days is nutritious. Diets rich in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats have been linked to increased incidences of depression, anxiety, and mood swings, so it follows that a diet comprising whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates all work to stabilise blood sugar levels and support a more balanced emotional state.
Mindful Eating for Mental Health
Beyond the content of our plates, how we eat matters too. Mindful eating – the practice of being present and attentive while consuming food – encourages a deeper connection with our body and the nourishment we are giving to it. By becoming more aware of our eating habits, we can better understand our body’s cues, we will improve digestion, and enhance the overall experience of supporting our bodies and our minds.
Cultivating wellness through the food we eat.
“Healthy body, Healthy Mind” starts on our plates. Never mind going to the gym, or promising to swim a mile every day – if we don’t have the right attitude towards food, we won’t get anywhere. Acknowledging the intense impact of food on our mental health means we empower ourselves to make informed choices for a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Join us on the 18th of January for our FREE webinar “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” from 10AM – 12PM. Book your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/healthy-body-and-healthy-mind-tickets-621724393397