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Mind Body Connection: Food and Your Overall Mood
Your diet isn't just about your physical wellbeing...
but also your emotional and mental one. What you eat can affect your overall mood. Let's break down the mind body connection that occurs with the food you consume.
Brain Food or Brain Fog?
What we eat directly affects our emotional state of mind and brain function. Just think- how do you normally feel running off of only coffee and a piece of toast compared to a hearty bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit? Studies have shown that a diet rich in over-processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars/carbohydrates can be linked to depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Conversely, a diet that is rich in nutrient-dense eating patterns (such as the Mediterranean diet) can reduce inflammation, bolster energy, and increase mental resilience. Foods that are higher in omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to lower rates of depression as they are essential for brain function and their anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, diets that are very high in refined carbohydrates can be linked to fatigue and mood swings. It’s best practice to get a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to stabilize your mood and keep you content throughout the day!
The Gut-Brain Connection
Simple Ways to Big Changes!
Need some inspiration to power the mind-body connection through food? Try these 3 easy ways to incorporate more mindful eating habits into your everyday routines.
🌈🍓 Eat the Rainbow: Add color to your plate with fruits and vegetables to promote a diverse and important array of vitamins and minerals.
🚰💧 Drink Your Water: Stay hydrated! Dehydration can vastly affect your mood and cognition. Begin with drinking a glass of water with every meal, then fill up your cute emotional support water bottle to have with you all day!
🌰🐟 Omega 3's to the Rescue: Try adding salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds or chia seeds to your diet to increase your Omega-3 intake to help improve cognitive brain function.
Written by Chef Bella