Have you ever considered the connection between what you eat and your mental health?
You may not have given it much attention, yet there is a strong relationship that can significantly affect one’s general well-being.
Consider this: if you’re continuously putting unhealthy snacks and junk food into your body, it makes sense that you could feel tired, uninspired, or even unhappy.
Numerous observational studies have linked the risk of depression to the general quality of nutrition.
For instance, an analysis of 21 research from 10 different nations discovered a link between a healthy dietary pattern marked by high intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish, low-fat dairy products, and antioxidants and low intakes of animal foods and a decreased risk of depression.
Prioritising a nutritious, well-balanced diet may seem like plain sense, but the truth is that many of us don’t pay enough attention to what we put in our bodies.
We don’t focus our own health and wellbeing because we are too busy, stressed out, and overwhelmed. But here’s the thing: who will look out for you if you don’t?
That’s where stoicism comes in. Ancient philosophy teaches us the importance of self-discipline, self-control, and self-awareness.
By cultivating these traits, we can learn to prioritise our own health and well-being, even in the midst of chaos and stress.
Challenge: Consider assessing your present eating practises. Do you place a high priority on consuming wholesome foods? Do you spend the necessary time preparing meals and snacks that will energise both your body and mind? If not, a change needs to be made.
Taking the following actions will help you start eating for a happier mind:
- Create a menu. So that you are not caught off guard and tempted to seek for unhealthy options, schedule your meals and snacks for the entire week in advance.
- Prioritise protein and fibre: These two nutrients will keep you feeling full and satisfied, and help regulate your mood and energy levels.
- Eat less processed meals and sugar-added products. These can have a devastating effect on your mental health and make you feel lazy and unmotivated.
- Try new recipes to: Try out brand-new, nutritious recipes to keep things fresh and interesting.
- Become more mindful: Enjoy your meals slowly and mindfully, and pay attention to how various foods make you feel.
Keep in mind that you deserve to put your own health and wellbeing first. In addition to feeling better physically, eating for a happier mind will improve your mood, drive, and outlook on life in general.
According to Marcus Aurelius, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” Let’s thus begin providing our bodies and minds with wholesome, nourishing nourishment and then see where that leads us.