Eat Well-Mental Health Awareness Month

This week we’re talking about the connection between what you eat and your mental wellness.

You are what you eat! We’ve all heard the familiar saying that the food choices we make impact our overall wellbeing, but did you know that food affects your mental health on multiple levels as well? The better you eat, the better you feel.

However, changes in society and lifestyle might have an impact on your daily eating habits. With more people working from home or adjusting to a hybrid work schedule, the increased ability to snack throughout the day makes it easier to overindulge. Furthermore, while it may give you a temporary boost, snacking on sugary or highly-processed food items leads to lethargy and other health complications. Over a long enough period, neglecting your nutrition may lead to more serious health concerns such as obesity, depression, diabetes, and digestive issues.

There are many ways you can promote a healthy and nutritious diet. Try planning out meals and grocery runs for the week in advance. Another option is incorporating healthier food options into your current diet, including whole-wheat grain products and low-fat dairy products. Even small substitutions, such as replacing candy with fruit, can contribute to your overall long-term health and wellbeing when done consistently.

Five food options to a better you
1. Berries- Add a half cup of wild blueberries to your diet. Not only are they full of antioxidants but also give you more than a day’s dose of manganese.
2. Bananas- Packed with fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and serotonin, bananas can improve your nerve and muscle health.
3. Fatty fish- Salmon, tuna, trout, and oysters are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have shown links to reducing depression and boosting learning and memory skills.
4. Whole grains- Reach for oatmeal, corn tortillas, quinoa, and wild rice to help reduce anxiety.
5. Leafy greens- Consider incorporating spinach, kale, or Swiss chard into your next smoothie or salad. These greens can help your body fight toxins and help reduce depression.