5 Ways Eating Healthy Can Improve Your Mental Health
If you haven’t been feeling yourself lately or feeling a bit down in the dumps, a change in diet could be just what the doctor ordered. Numerous researches have shown that getting the proper amounts of nutrients your body needs into your diet can improve your mental health drastically.
Sure, that milkshake will brighten your day, but only for a short while. You will want to make healthier changes overall to fuel your body with the vitamins and essential minerals it needs to be balanced and well overall.
Here is how eating healthy can bring about positive changes for your mental health.
1 Eating right boosts your mood
Countless studies have proven that when our bodies lack the proper nutrients, it leads to depression. So instead of swinging through the drive-thru, make a conscious effort to eat foods that have more omega-3s like salmon and walnuts.
Also, opt for folates like asparagus and chickpeas, vitamin B12 like tuna, shrimp or milk, magnesium like spinach and yogurt, choline like eggs yolks and broccoli, and vitamin D like fatty fish and eggs. Try eating more of these foods and see how you feel by the end of the week.
2 Amp up those antioxidants
Antioxidants are necessary for a healthy body to ward off damages from free radicals. You can find them in lots of fruits and vegetables. In particular, carrots, tomatoes, kale, and sweet potatoes have an antioxidant type called carotenoids which are some of the best for boosting your mood.
Read also – 6 Healthy Foods to Treat Your Brain Fog
3 It stops grumpiness
Some people call this “hangry” or when you are so hungry you’re angry. Whatever you want to call it, if you’re eating properly and getting the nutrients you need from the foods you eat, you’ll be less likely to blow a gasket over some minor annoyances from your coworkers, spouse or children.
4 It leads to better sleep
Sleep deprivation is a serious problem that can affect every area of your life. By eating the things your body needs to function optimally, you will get the kind of sleep you need.
A poor diet that leaves you hungry will make you feel hungry in the middle of the night. Plus, sleeping problems often lead to mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. So take the time to nurture your body with nourishing nutrients for better sleep.
5 You will end the vicious cycle of stress-eating
So you had a bad day and you came home to a bowl of ice cream and a bag of chips. It may temporarily comfort you but these foods that you turn to in times of stress are of course the ones that will make you gain weight.
Plus, they perpetuate the cycle of stress. Make a change for the better and swap these out for healthy foods. You will notice an instant improvement and be able to cope with stress better.
Read also – 8 Ways to De-Stress When Meditation Fails
What you put in your body plays a huge role in how you feel. Maintain a good mental health to feel more energized and productive. Do you need to eat healthier? What healthy-eating changes will you be making?
