How Your Diet Can Affect Your Mental Health

When we think of mental health, we usually imagine sitting in the therapist’s office or taking meds that create the chemical balance in our brain. And that’s fine, these two are definitely main ways to restore one’s emotional well-being. Yet, at the same time, there is so much more to this. Our mental health isn’t only a doctor and prescribed pills that we take each day. It’s also our sleeping and eating.

Our diet is crucial to our well-being and the way we eat affects our mood. Without further ado, here is how diet can affect your mental health.

1. Sugar isn’t so sweet after all

Reaching for a favourite chocolate bar or a tub of ice cream is one of the most comforting things. That first bite is immeasurable, especially if we’re already feeling low. Candies, cakes and chocolate are our best friends for a reason. They are available almost anywhere so it’s impossible to avoid them. Sugar is the most-easily attainable drug in the world. It gives us a temporary rush which lasts for a couple of hours. Removing sugar from your diet can help with regulating emotions and losing weight.

2. Breakfast is the king

This might sound pretentious, but there are two key factors when it comes to mental well-being. One is regular sleep and the other is breakfast. For many people, eating in the morning is a plain nuisance which is wrong on many levels. Breakfast gives you all the necessary energy for the rest of the day, so choosing the right type of food might be a trial and error, but you’ll eventually find what suits you. After finishing breakfast, you can treat yourself with a warm cup of coffee, or even better, black or green tea.

3. Alternative remedies can be helpful

If you’re more oriented towards losing weight, then consider some alternate means. Homoeopathy can be a useful weight-loss aid since it can uncover hidden symptoms that can prevent you from looking your healthiest. In addition, homeopathic weight loss drops can be very helpful in regulating your metabolism without affecting your hormone balance. It is also worth mentioning that most of these remedies are non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals.

4. Staying hydrated counts as a diet change

This doesn’t mean replacing all the foods with liquid. However, keeping yourself hydrated is a must when it comes to staying healthy. Aside from drinking water, it’s recommended you drink herbal teas, smoothies, sugar-free fresh juices, and low-fat milk. Reducing the amount of sugary fizzy drinks will result in better concentration and improved health. You can treat yourself sometimes since it’s known that restraining yourself can lead to edginess. Still, if you’re able to resist it, then get some sparkling water and add some lemon in. It tastes great and it’s so much healthier.

5. Start cooking more

Cooking is one of those activities that are instant mood-lifters. Looking for the recipes, planning, grocery shopping and finally preparing food are a fun way to make you feel more productive and energized. Also, mastering a new skill does wonders for one’s morale. Fast food might seem like a quick option, but you can never know how they actually prepare the food back in the kitchen or what ingredients they use. When you do it by yourself, in the comfort of your own kitchen, you control the narrative. Even if you don’t succeed at first, keep trying. And don’t forget to invite your friends for dinner once you get good at cooking. The more you practice, the better you’ll become, which will result in more self-confidence.

6. Exercise does matter

Even though this is about diet, but it’s important mentioning exercise too, since they’re all correlated. Because, in order to exercise, we need to eat the right food. Sugary snacks might give you a rush of energy, but they’re not nutritional at all. Therefore, it’s much better to eat proteins, carbs, or fruit. Staying hydrated is also important since being physically active also requires a regular liquid intake. If you’re more of a relaxed type, then yoga, tai chi or Pilates might be better for you since they incorporate proper breathing and mind-body strengthening.

7. It’s about the journey

Mental health balance cannot be achieved overnight. It takes time, patience and self-reflection. The same goes for a healthy and toned body. We cannot wake up one day and find ourselves in perfect shape. It’s necessary to work hard, plan meals, practice self-care and mindfulness. Treating yourself isn’t a crime. Setting goals and working towards them is what gives us purpose. Feeling and looking good isn’t about achieving goals in an instant. It’s about the journey and self-discovery. Learning about yourself is knowing yourself. And after that comes fixing yourself. And once you start with the fixing, only then you can truly love yourself.

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