How Food Affects Your Mood

Food affects much more than just your weight. Research from Michigan Health shows that our eating habits help to improve our mood, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. This study involved two groups, one that changed their eating habits and one that made no change. After only 3 months, the group who changed their eating habits reported that they experienced less symptoms of depression. Here are a few practices and foods that will change your eating habits and boost your mood:

Mood Boosting Practices

• Establish a regular eating schedule throughout the day. Eat 3 meals per day, with some small snacks in between meals. This will help your body maintain steady blood sugar levels and regulate metabolism. Even if you get busy, try not to skip any meals!
• Stay hydrated. When you get busy, it's so easy to forget to drink water throughout the day, but it's incredibly important to maintain energy levels all day.
• Eat meals and snacks with fiber and protein. Proteins are full of amino acids which help to regulate thoughts and emotions in the brain!
• Try to eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables every day. These foods have vitamins, minerals, and fiber which help maintain your physical and mental health.

Mood Boosting Foods

• Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other fatty fish are clinically proven to help lower anxiety and stress. Fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids which is a powerful mood booster.
• Berries: Berries are full of antioxidants and contain flavonoids, which help improve memory, protect the brain against aging, and improve emotional health. 
• Probiotics: Fermented foods including yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir have been linked to improved gut health. A healthy body leads to a health mind!
• Dark Chocolate: Studies have shown that dark chocolate enhances blood flow to the brain which can improve brain performance.

Your diet is one of the most important factors when it comes to your mood, so make sure you're following these guidelines!

A healthy mind, body, and overall wellbeing doesn't have to be complicated, if you'd like to learn more click here to see our video on 15 Minutes to A Healthier You.