October 3, 2023
Written by: Shaleishka, Teresa, and Mana
Edited by: Fidha
Our Mood and Food
If you’ve ever felt your mood be unpredictable, have you stopped to think it could be the food you're eating? Usually people don’t consider eating habits when considering mental health. Whether it’s under-eating, over-eating, or just eating the wrong foods, it affects your mind just as much as your body. It’s easy to want to eat junk food instead of nutritious foods that enrich your body and mind. There are risks in every decision we make but what we eat is one of the most important aspects of our health that can lead to risk of mental and physical health.
Importance of Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is more than just a simple choice or lifestyle but rather it’s more importantly the foundation for developing a strong mind. The foods we eat directly influence our brain’s function, mood, and energy levels. By choosing nutritious foods, we provide our brain with the nutrients and power it needs to regulate our emotions, mindset, energy, and reduce mental health issues like depression or anxiety. A balanced diet not only enhances our cognitive function and ability to be active throughout the day, but it boosts our overall well-being and keeps us more present. By intaking your vitamins and making sure you have all those nutrients it ensures our body to operate optimally and reach its best potential. By prioritizing healthy eating habits, we are providing ourselves the ability to be happier and more in touch with ourselves. We must protect our bodies because it’s our home and only we can ensure that it’s properly treated.
Improving Eating Habits
Although it may seem simply impossible at times, there are a plethora of varying methods and tips to aid you in shifting your eating habits for the better. Here are ten to get you on the right track for successful change:
The best first step for any sort of big change is to identify why you want to implement it. So, for example, do you want to have more energy? Do you want to lose, gain, or maintain your weight? Don’t just work towards something because you feel obligated— do it because you want to.
It’s amazing to be ambitious, but starting slowly is recommended when it comes to dietary changes. You may rebound if your alterations are too sudden, so start with small factors (switching from soda to water, white to whole grain, e.t.c.) Changing these little things is just as impressive, and heightens your likelihood to succeed in the long run.
If you don’t buy the foods you’re trying to avoid, they won’t be in your home, tempting you. Your decisions at the supermarket, not just the dining table, are vital.
Try out a food journal! If you don’t have access to one, coming up with and writing your own format would be a great exercise of the mind. You could focus on what’s most important to you personally, like goals and progress.
Drink plenty of water. It can flush out excess sodium from overly salty foods. If you’re trying to eat less, it’ll also make you full; same goes for chewing slower, choosing a set amount of snacks before you start to eat them, and avoiding distractions whilst you eat.
It’s felt by many that it’s easier to add healthy foods rather than subtract unhealthy ones; that’s because of the addictiveness of certain snacks and treats. However, have no fear, because slowly—but surely—mixing in fruits and vegetables (plus any other healthy foods) in your everyday life will wane down your cravings for poor quality foods.
If you’re trying to eat less, use smaller bowls and plates; it’ll make your portion look larger, stumping your subconscious into feeling full. Same goes for the other way around.
No matter what you’re trying to achieve, you should always fully appreciate the food that you’re consuming; make yourself aware of the textures and flavors.
For motivation, research the positive effects of eating certain healthy foods; blueberries clear up your skin, and spinach fights cancer!
Believe in yourself. Even if you fail, that experience is making you smarter and stronger. Always remember that if you believe that you can, you will.
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