Happy Tummy. Happy Mind.
What if I were to tell you that you are very much capable of the happiness you so badly crave? Now what if I were to tell you that a big step towards that happiness is as simple as eating? Something you do on a daily basis has the power to boost or hinder your mood. So why not use it to your advantage and feel the benefits of eating the foods that are great for your body and taste delicious too!
Your brain is working nonstop. It takes care of everything you do from breathing, thinking, feeling, seeing, to hearing, moving, and speaking. Think about it, your brain never takes a break. It is even “on” when you are asleep. In order to function at its highest potential, your brain needs a consistent supply of high grade premium fuel. That fuel comes from your nutrition. It has been proven that the food you eat on a daily basis has a direct impact on the structure of your brain, its function and, ultimately, your mood. Multiple studies, including from Harvard Health Medical, have found connections between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function, and more severe symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression.
Think of your mind and body as a car. The more you take care of a car and provide it with the premium fuel it needs, the better it runs. The same concept applies to your body. When you feed it the nutrients it needs, your mind and body will run better. In order to benefit from nutrition, you must have a solid foundation of education, guidance, and support from the people you surround yourself with for a lifelong impact. This is why trendy short term diets are not ideal if you want permanent and long term results. Once you stop following the guidelines of any given diet, you revert back to the habits you had before starting in the first place. This is why it is important to do what works best for YOU over the long term. This will ensure that whatever results you strive for will be long term. The key is moderation. You know your body best!
How food affects your emotions
Ultimately, there is no “good” food or “bad” food because what may be good for one person, may be bad for another. About 95% of your serotonin is produced in your gastrointestinal tract (gut) and your gut is lined with a hundred million nerve cells or neurons. It makes sense that the inner workings of your digestive system don’t just help you digest food, but also guide your emotions. According to Harvard Health Medical School, “studies have compared “traditional” diets, like the Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese diet, to a typical “Western” diet and have shown that the risk of depression is 25% to 35% lower in those who eat a traditional diet.” The main reason for this is due to the void in processed and refined foods and sugar.
Nutritional Psychiatry: Well now what?
Now that you are aware of the link between your daily diet and your moods, it is time to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness consists of focusing and being aware of one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. In this case, being mindful with the foods you eat will help you determine which ones make you thrive and which ones make you crabby. Notice how your body feels right after you eat certain foods and also the day after. Then, try eating clean (whatever that looks like for YOU) and realize how the foods that work best for you make you thrive.
Sources: Harvard Health Medical School, The New Normal Nutrition