How food can affect our mood


It is probably one of those topics that many people are aware of, but don’t pay attention to. However, it is imperative to understand that food can affect your mood and surprisingly more than you realize. One of the most famously known is sugar, and it’s pretty famously known that, if you eat a lot of candy or perhaps a jammy donut, that you’ll get a quick burst of energy before getting the infamous ‘sugar crash.’ Many people can sometimes feel down and lethargic without understanding why, but it can be purely down to what you might have eaten that day. So, what foods affect us, and what can we do to improve it?

Don’t skip meals

First things first, eating the correct foods is only one step of many, but one of the worst myths is that skipping meals will make you feel better. Many people do this thinking that it will be a good way of losing weight, however many professionals have condemned this. Skipping meals has been said to prove a better chance of causing fatigue and malnutrition than any positive gain. It also makes you feel hungrier for your next meal which can have a knock-on effect, causing you to overeat in your next meal.

Photo: Unsplash.com

Eat at regular times

If you eat at regular intervals, then professionals have suggested that it will help to maintain your blood sugar levels, allowing your body to have the right amount of energy when you need it the most. If you do this, it can help stabilize and maintain your mood, helping you to have a healthier, happier, and more productive day.

Finally, the food itself

Healthline suggests that adding good proteins into your diet can increase your dopamine levels, encouraging a more positive feeling. These proteins are eggs, poultry, seafood, tofu, and greek yogurt. Of course, there are other foods that will help encourage a happier, more positive feeling. Increasing your protein intake also stops you feeling hungrier for longer; it also increases your strength and muscle mass, it’s good for your bones, and boosts your metabolism.

Vitamins and fiber

There’s no shortcut to this one, but your fruit and vegetables are some of the best things for you. Two vitamins, in particular, can be found in fruit and vegetables; these are folate and B12, which have been said to help ease sadness and depression. Folate can be found in oranges, lentil, broccoli, oatmeal, and leafy greens. B12 can be found in cottage cheese, lean beef and salmon – sounds delicious!

Photo: Unsplash.com

Foods to avoid

Don’t worry, the list isn’t too extensive, but these items do have a role in making your body feel less comfortable; these foods include white bread, processed cheese, and vegetable oils among others. White bread does not contain the fiber that wholemeal does, which is an integral part of helping the colon flush all the bad stuff out. We live in an era where a variety of substitutes are available, rather than having to fall back on plain fruit and veg.
You probably won’t feel the change instantly, but rest assured you will start to feel better after sticking to the regime very soon! It’s all about being in control, and if food is affecting your mood, then maybe it’s time for you to think more carefully about what’s in your diet.

Recommended For You

The benefits of chocolate

When it comes to chocolate, the most obvious benefit is the taste! It’s the perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a sweet