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Your Mood and Your Food
Do you know how much what you eat affects your mood? Your mood and your food can make it a good day or a not so good day. If you want to live a Major Upbeat Life every day, it’s important to feed yourself well and eat nourishing whole food…lots of fruits and vegetables with some lean protein… but not too much protein.
The relationship between food and depression is complex and multifaceted. When I first realized changing my diet had helped me “disappear” my chronic depression, I didn’t realize the connection. There is evidence to suggest the food choices we make can affect our mood, cognitive function, and our overall mental health.
Recent research is showing us a diet of highly processed and sugary foods, and low in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods, is actually associated with an increased risk of depression. This is because the highly processed, sugary foods can cause inflammation in the body, which is telegraphed to your brain and can manifest as depression.
On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, has been associated with a reduced risk of depression, or in my case, a reduction in depression if you’ve been living with it. These types of foods provide the body with fiber and important nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, which can…
