How a Better Diet Can Support Your Mental Health

I have always been a foodie. When I think back on positive memories with those I love, food is often involved. Whether it be a family reunion, trying a new restaurant or cooking food in the kitchen- food has always been around me and has always been something that has brought me joy. In addition to loving to try new foods, it is something I often turn to when I'm not just happy, but also when I am sad, anxious, lonely or worried. When I was in high school and college, no matter what I ate, my weight did not change much, so this habit did not set off a red flag for me. However, as I reached grad school, was working 3 jobs and had just moved across the country, I noticed how what I was eating was really starting to effect not only the way my body looked, but how I felt emotionally as well. 
 
 
I was always turning to food to help me feel better, and it was often bad foods or “comfort foods” as my dad has always called them. Foods like chocolate, PBJs, pizza, ice cream or an excess of coffee. For the first time, I saw my self gaining weight and not being able to lose it as I used to. Not only that, but eating these foods made me more jittery, stressed, lethargic and crave more sugar. My anxiety was at an all time high, I was more tired, lazy and my body felt like it was dragging. I began to read lots of books about all kinds of different diets, ways to live healthier and about digestion in general. There is so much information about food out there, but one theme that kept coming up was how eating well can really positively impact your mental well being. 
 
Science shows us how connected our brains and bodies are. When we are eating foods that give us energy, promote digestion and are high in nutrients, we physically feel better, and our minds closely follow. Having a healthy, balanced diet can actually be a protective factor against mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Being able to tune in and pay attention to how you feel when you eat certain foods can be a helpful tool to utilize, especially if you are feeling symptoms of depression and anxiety or are experiencing high stress in your life. Everybody’s bodies are so different, but when it comes down to it- food fuels us all. It is so important to choose the highest quality fuel for your body. 
 
 
Some books I recommend…
“Nourishing Wisdom” by Marc David
“Your Brain on Food” by Gary Wenk
“Good Clean Food” by Lily Kunin