Food is known to have a significant impact on one’s mood, but what if we were to tell you that it can affect your mental health too (in a good way!)? 

Everyone is familiar with the famous saying, ‘You are what you eat,’ so why not eat foods that make you feel better and improve your mental wellbeing? 

For a long time, we knew that what we eat impacts our physical health, but recent studies done in the field of nutritional psychology reveal its impact on mental health too. Eating certain foods can help improve gut and brain health, which in turn improves our overall mood. 

Findings from research and studies reveal the relationship between certain diets—like those rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains—that help boost the moods of those diagnosed with anxiety and depression. 

Our gut is home to the production of serotonin, a built-in mood enhancer. If we consume foods that help increase their amount in our body and also enhance gut and brain health—we can remarkably improve our overall mental health! Read below to understand what foods and related activities help boost your mental health. 

Nutrients Are Where It's At.

Our emotions, mood, and the entire body are managed by the brain; it's important that we consume nutrient-rich foods that act as fuel for it. Studies show that traditional diets that are rich in fruits, vegetables, unprocessed grains, seafood, legumes, and nuts promote gut and brain health. These foods, rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, have shown a reduction in anxiety, depression, and related mental health problems. 

Consuming diets full of nutrients helps in the production of serotonin and dopamine— hormones that control our mood! 

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The Power of Comfort Foods.

We all have foods associated with fond memories, emotions and feelings that we know as comfort foods! These foods can have a positive impact on one’s mental health. Wanting to have your comfort food is a common response to stress that many experience. But while they have benefits, overconsumption and over relying on such foods can cause serious health concerns.

So, what does that mean? Should you not have comfort foods? No. You should, but you can make use of ways that can improve their quality. Some such ways are:

Enjoy your comfort foods in a balanced and healthy way! And let them help you calm and feel better. 

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Food: A Sense of Community.

Food is an indispensable part of culture and traditions. Many festivals are surrounded by food and celebrate it. Sitting with your loved ones, friends, and family can significantly improve your mental wellbeing. Food creates a sense of togetherness, a sense of community, that can help those with mental health issues immensely. Eating meals together with people can boost your mood, help you relieve some stress, and also inculcate habits of healthy eating!

So, seek out such moments that let yourself enjoy delicious food surrounded by love and care! 

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Are Cravings Really Good? 

Most of us get cravings for certain foods, and these are usually those foods high in sugar and fats. While some suggest that food cravings are bad, others say that indulging in them can be good for you. Cravings usually arise due to stress, emotional overload, and even depression.

Eating the food that you are craving can help you alleviate some stress and uplift your overall mood, but overindulgence in such cravings can have severe effects on one’s health. And isn’t this relief rather temporary?

So, are cravings really good? The answer to this question seems a little vague; in the end, it is all about being mindful. Engage with the cravings once in a while, but if you notice them overpowering you, take a step back, analyse your triggers, and if needed, seek help from a mental health professional.

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So lovely souls, remember to be mindful and intuitive. Have a piece of cake, unwind, relax, and think. Make necessary changes in your diet, if needed, and help yourself feel better. Pay attention to your emotional cues and triggers that might make you eat unhealthy foods and make poor dietary choices; this will help you enjoy whatever you want to eat in a healthy and balanced way. And don’t hesitate to reach out; remember that we at Happy Minds provide care and support to those seeking help with mental health problems. Contact us whenever you feel ready!