What mental health really means
Before we understand the connection between the two, let’s understand what mental health really means. The World Health Organisation defines “mental health” as a state of well-being and effective functioning wherein individuals realize their own abilities are resilient to the stresses of life, and are able to make positive contributions to their community.
Let your food be thy medicine
The father of modern medicine once said – “Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food”. In medieval times, people started to take great interest in how certain foods affect their mood and temperament. “Eating a salad is not going to cure depression. But there’s a lot you can do to lift your mood and improve your mental health, and it can be as simple as increasing your intake of plants and healthy foods,” said Dr. Jacka, the director of the Food & Mood Centre at Deakin University in Australia and the president of the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research Adding that “mental health is complex”.
Do our emotions affect our food choices, too?
As much as food can affect our mood, our mood can also affect our food choices. To give you an example, an Australian study also known as the ‘SMILES’ trial (2018) compared the results of two different groups of people with depression. As part of the study, only one group was taught how to follow a healthy diet. Then, researchers compared the two groups to identify whether changes in their diets led to an improvement in their mood. Finally, they found that those who followed a healthy diet for 3 months experienced reduced symptoms of depression.
Eating with others and how it affects our mood
There are many psychological, social and biological benefits of eating meals with other people. They give us a sense of rhythm and regularity in our lives, a chance to reflect on the day, and feel connected to others. Biologically, eating in upright chairs helps with our digestion. Talking and listening also slows us down so we don’t eat too fast.
Getting the most out of mealtimes
Make the most of mealtimes by setting aside at least one day a week to eat with family and friends. Choose a meal that’s easy to prepare so it doesn’t become a chore. Share responsibility so everyone has a different task: doing the shopping, setting the table, cooking or washing up, for example. Keep the television off so you can all talk and share.
What is the link between what we eat and how we feel
Paying attention to how you feel when you eat, and what you eat, is one of the first steps in making sure you’re getting well-balanced meals and snacks. The relationship between our diet and our mental health is complex. However, research shows a link between what we eat and how we feel. You don’t have to make every healthy change immediately. You may find it easier to take it week by week. For instance, you could start by adding more vegetables to your diet one week, cutting down on sweets the next, replacing some meats with beans in week 3, and so on.
To conclude
Conclusively, following a healthy eating plan can keep you energised and help you to feel your best at most times. Your diet should consist of a wide variety of proteins, vitamins and mineral-containing foods that support the body’s functions. As a rule, plenty of fruits and vegetables and wholegrain cereal foods, with some protein foods, will ensure a good supply of nutrients for both, good health and a good mood.
