FOOD & MOOD

What you eat can help your mental health

It may feel like a small thing, but being aware of what you eat can have a positive impact on your mental health as it can;

• Improve your mood
• Increased energy
• Help you think more clearly

Ultimately, watching what you eat will have a positive impact physically, but it also is the first step in the direction of feeling in control of the situation. You are controlling what you are able to control, which can ease the sense of being out of control or unable to affect the situation.

At My Life Tonic, we aim to provide a broad range of 'Life Tonics' that can be integrated with your daily routine and that can make a difference to how you feel, without bring extra costs into your life.

10 tips for improving your mood by watching what you eat



1. Eat regularly to maintain stable sugar levels- low sugar levels can make you feel tired, irritable and depressed
2. Have breakfast - get your day off to a positive, healthy start
3. Avoid 'junk' food (processed food and snacks such as sweets, biscuits and sugary drinks)
4. Eat every 3-4 hours - with smaller portion sizes per meal
5. Make sure you get your 5-a-day of fruit and vegetables- try to eat the colour of the rainbow to mix up the nutrients you take
6. Stay hydrated - drink lots of water (about 2 litres per day)
7. Include protein in your diet - amino acids help regulate thoughts and feelings are found in meat, fish, cheese, eggs, legumes, seeds and nuts
8. Include Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet (walnuts, salmon, flaxseeds or fish oil supplements)
9. Reduce your caffeine in take - limit yourself to a few cups per day
10. Drink sensibly - alcohol can cause feelings of depression, anxiety and being out of control

You needn't follow all of the suggestions above; it maybe that a few are easier to bring into your daily routine. Give it a go and see if you notice a difference.

In previous blogs we've outlined both the benefits of staying hydrated and also journaling. It maybe that by noting down any changes your make, and when, you will be able to see if your food intake has helped you feel more positive and helped your mental health.