Everyone knows that the kind of food you eat determines how healthy you are. Health, however, is a combination of mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Did you know that the kind of food you eat also affects your mental and emotional state? For instance, foods that are high in sugar content can cause a sudden spike and subsequent drop in your energy, due to the way sugar is processed in your body. Being conscious of what you eat can help you stay happy and feel more energised during the day.  

The strategy:

• Eat regularly:

According to a study conducted by the University of Illinois, eating regular and healthy meals during the day can ensure that your blood sugar levels remain steady. Eating at regular intervals gives your body continuous fuel to function and can help keep your mood stable.

• Don’t skip meals:

You might be running late on some days, and decide that you can skip that meal and make up for it later. This is not the best approach because your body will not be able to digest food as easily, leading to complications later. If you skip meals regularly, you are liable to overeat later. Staying hungry for long periods of time also affects your mood and can sometimes lead to unpleasant feelings.

• Know what to avoid:

Before you start changing your diet to include more mood-boosting foods, it is equally important to understand what to avoid or limit. The biggest culprit is refined carbs and sugar; they are found in abundance in everyday items like junk food, sodas, candy, fruit juices, bread, etc. When consumed during the day, it can lead to a rollercoaster of energy spikes in your body, negatively impacting your mood.  Processed and junk food can satisfy your food cravings, but it will not help your emotional, mental or emotional health in the long run.

Foods that will help you boost your mood:

Protein:

Adding protein to your diet can slow the rate of carbohydrate absorption in your blood and increase the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, which can help improve your mood and increase energy levels. Foods to eat:

• Leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale,
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pistachio, sunflower seeds, flax and chia seeds
• Soy products: soy milk, tofu
• Dairy products: yoghurt, cheese, milk

Supplements: protein and health supplements like Proliva can help you make up for deficiencies in your diet and ensure that you have the required amount of nutrients.

• Vitamins:

There are certain vitamins that can help boost your mood. Vitamin D, for instance, can help relieve mood disorders, like seasonal affective disorder. Furthermore, increasing your B12 intake can reduce chances of depression. Foods to eat:

• Broccoli
• Lentils
• Oatmeal
• Oranges
• Cheese
  
  
• Fibre:

Fibre-rich foods like complex carbohydrates contain a soluble fibre that slows the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream and increases serotonin levels, the ‘feel good’ chemical, which decreases mood swings and improves mental health.   Foods to eat:

• Oats
• Beans
• Pears
• Brussel Sprouts

Proliva’s light n lean features psyllium husk, a natural fibre, as one of the main ingredients. It helps boost metabolism and keeps your digestive system healthy, having a positive impact on your mental state.

The Takeaway:

There is a clear relationship between the foods that you eat and your moods. In today’s world, there are a lot of food options, which might taste great and be inexpensive, but they are only going to affect you in the long run. Being healthy requires discipline and a commitment to your body. Plan your meals out, avoid junk and processed foods and prioritise!  

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Nutrisattva is a protein innovation company focused on developing natural protein nutrition for individuals across age groups, nutritional needs, and lifestyles. Founded on the belief that the strains of urban living requires a natural, informed and convenience-based approach to good health, Nutrisattva develops products built on the knowledge of nutrition science, fitness and Ayurveda.