As they say ‘abs are made in the kitchen’ but today we’re focusing more on how different foods can impact your mood and wellbeing. When you're stressed, it can be tempting to skip meals or eat too much of the wrong kinds of food. But what you eat, and when you eat, can make a big difference to how well you feel.
How healthy food can impact your mood, health and wellbeing
Your brain needs a lot of nutrients to function and keep you well. Eating well helps to reduce the risk of physical health problems like heart disease and diabetes. It also helps with sleeping patterns, energy levels, and your general health. You may have noticed that your mood often affects the types of food you choose, as well as how much you eat. Some foods can lift your mood, energy levels, and concentration, while others can have the opposite effect. For example, eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can reduce your risk of some mental health conditions such as depression, while eating foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat may increase your risk.
Visit the Mind website for more information on how food can affect your mood and learn 8 ways to manage your mood with food.
You can also find lots of information on our Employee Assistance Programme’s (Health Assured – Username: Growth, Password: Company) website including:
If reading isn’t your thing, give the following health eating videos a watch:
As you can see in the picture, sometimes what we may class as ‘naughty’ foods can be good to relieve stress and it’s always good to treat yourself especially during difficult times – as always, it’s about balance. So, don’t think this is your excuse not to take part in Bake with Lex on Tuesday 22 September and our Virtual MacMillan Coffee Morning for the Group on Friday 25 September.
All this food talk has made me hungry, think I’ll try that soup recipe for lunch.