The Physical and Mental Benefits of Healthy Eating

It’s no big secret that many things are linked to the state of our mental health, everything from the way we deal with our emotions, stress and anxiety – even what we eat and drink.

According to Professor Suzanne Dickson of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, the microbes that live in the digestive tract play a part in our mental health. These microbes respond to your diet and are connected to certain behaviors. So it might not be a case of “you are what you eat,” but instead “you feel how you eat.” It’s actually been proven that junk food is linked to chronic depression.

According to Eat This, Not That, when you eat healthy foods, you and your family can boost your cognitive function and reduce the risks of dementia or Alzheimer’s later in life. The foods you eat should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins. Sugars, saturated fats, and sodium are okay to have as well, but only in small amounts.

Here are some more tips from Counsellingconnectz to help you get started!

Eat Meatless at Least Two Nights a Week

Never mind the old “one meat and two vegetables” standard menu for dinner each night. Instead, for two nights each week, try an all-vegetable menu that includes protein substitutes such as peas, spinach and artichokes. If you have children who aren’t fond of vegetables, try broiling or grilling the veggies to caramelize the natural sugars in them, giving them a sweeter taste. And keep in mind that eating fresh foods doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Find out where the closest farmers markets are and shop there. You might save a few dollars as well.

Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand

Yes, it’s tempting to reach for that bag of potato chips when you’re in-between meals or go through half a package of sandwich creme cookies when you want something sweet. Instead, keep some nuts on hand, such as cashews, almonds, peanuts and walnuts. Keep in mind, though, that these are also high in calories and fat, so eat them in moderation. If you need something sweet, consider apple slices with peanut butter. For something refreshing, try zucchini, rainbow carrots, and pepper slices, either by themselves or with hummus. Encourage your family to snack on the same foods, too.

Beware of Worklife Factors

Many people do well in their eating habits at home, but stumble when they are on the run. If you’re working in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, you may be more prone to poor health. Avoiding foods high in calories and having access to healthy snacks can dramatically improve your health and boost energy.

Pair Your Diet with Supplements

There’s no doubt that eating a healthy diet does wonders for your mind and body. However, even when you commit to a healthy diet, you’re likely not getting the essential vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. Penn Medicine explains a solution for this is to invest in high-quality multivitamins that ensure you’re getting enough nutrients to stay healthy. For example, taking the required amount of B vitamins can increase your energy and mood levels, while polyphenols (not every multivitamin has these, so it’s important to check the bottle) can foster a healthier gut.

Drink More Water and Fewer Sodas

A lot of soft drinks, especially the ones labeled as “diet,” aren’t very healthy. In fact, drinking them on a regular basis might affect your mental health as much as bad food does. While having a soda every once in a while won’t harm you, consider drinking more water and serving it with your meals.

It has no calories, there’s plenty of it, and you can even purchase a filtration system – either in a pitcher, attached to your tap, or installed on your waterline – if you’re concerned about additional chemicals that are added to your city’s water. It refreshes faster than a sports beverage or soft drink and has no additional ingredients.

Healthy Diet, Healthy Body, Healthy You!

Eating a healthy diet can do good things for you and your family, physically, mentally and emotionally. So, next time when you see yourself reaching out for that box of cheese crackers (or junk food!), perhaps you can allow yourself to become a curious observer: ‘Hm, that’s interesting. Which part of me is seeking for the pleasure of indulging the cheese crackers here? Do I reach out because I really need them? Or is it more because of past conditioning? Or perhaps, the food is bringing back some good memories? Giving me comfort?’ 

The choices we make about what we eat can significantly impact our mood and cognitive function. By focusing on nutritious foods, you can enhance your overall quality of life.

At Counsellingconnectz, we’re here to support you on your journey to better health. Reach out to us today to explore how our counselling services can help you navigate the emotional aspects of your eating habits and promote a healthier, happier you!

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