Updated on 2/8/2023
The type of food you eat has a significant influence on your mental health and physical wellbeing. Having a balanced intake of healthy foods is a critical component in aiding your recovery needs such as daily energy, focus, positivity and restful sleep. However, with so many popular diets out there, you might wonder where to start. The first mistake is even thinking of eating well as a diet because a diet is often associated with short-term intervals that provide short-term results. Diets can also be costly and generally not practical to maintain because they are based more on an individual’s physiology and might not be healthy for you to pursue. Unfulfilled diets can leave you feeling as though you have failed somehow, and this is never a good response to have in recovery.
Good nutrition hinges on implementing functional foods: vegetables, grains, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. These foods will fuel your body and mind. Balancing good nutrition is more practical than adopting a complicated dieting method and is also more sustainable. It even allows you to have that slice of pizza or scoop of ice cream now and again. Maintaining good nutrition has also been linked to combating negative moods associated with depression, anxiety and stress. When you nourish your body with the resources it likes, you’ll find that you have more energy.
The Link Between Mental Health and Nutrition
When most begin structuring a healthier eating regimen, they are often only occupied with whether their food choices will make them look good. However, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, you will also want to consider which foods positively impact mental health when selecting foods. Different foods can cause shifts and imbalances in hormones, blood sugar levels and other biological processes. Studies show that whole-food diets heavy on fruits, vegetables and proteins help lift moods and protect against depression (NCBI). If you prefer not to eat meat, you can draw protein from unprocessed proteins such as kale, peas, beans, grains and nuts. Always consult your doctor or professional nutritionist to help you find the right foods for you.
Can Good Nutrition Make Someone Happy?
It is one thing to discover that good nutrition protects you from depression, but can it make you happy? Snacking, much like eating fast food, is linked with short-term bursts of happiness because your body interprets this as being a reward. However, these short-term episodes are not sustainable for promoting long-term happiness.
What about eating healthier long term? While new studies occur daily, so far research suggests that maintaining long-term good nutrition might not necessarily create sustainable happiness. Still, nutritious foods can have a positive influence on the moods and feelings that support a state of joy. These include more energy, curiosity, creativity and motivation. Further studies have also shown that those who maintain good nutrition reported feeling more engaged and purposeful in their lives overall (NCBI).
When your mind and body have balance, you will feel good and are therefore more likely to feel optimistic and happy. Maintaining good nutrition is encouraged and even essential to help support all facets of your life. We know this kind of change doesn’t happen overnight and you may need help to manage a mental health disorder. If you feel like you cannot find the motivation to get started and are even experiencing negative thoughts and feelings, it is time to seek help. At DiscoveryMD, we strive to meet each individual’s needs at any point in their recovery. Our dedicated staff is committed to supporting you and your loved ones when you need us. To learn more, contact us today.