A Bad Diet Will Damage your body AND your MIND!

A bad diet will almost inevitably adversely impact your mental health.Your mind and you body are NOT separate. Your diet contributes to your preparedness for the day, your decision-making, and your reaction time. In our new tell-all blog, find out more about how a bad diet impacts your mental health.

To learn more about food and it’s addictive (aka “bliss” point) here’s some of our other blogs.

• Comfort eating is a major cause of discomfort
• What is ultra-processed food?
• Eat Real Food
• Big Food and Big Pharma are Murdering Millions and getting away with it

Mental health is just as crucial as physical health (In fact the two are closely linked!) and should be just as much of a priority. People with a lifetime history of poor mental health live on average at least a decade shorter lives than people whose mental health is good

Emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all integral to our mental health. Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by it. In addition, it influences how we deal with stress, relate to others, and whether we make healthy choices. It is important to maintain good mental health at every age, from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood.

In the UK, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year according to www.mind.org.uk. In England alone 1 in 6 people will report experiencing a common mental health problem such as depression and anxiety in an average week. And of course Covid isolation has had a profoundly negative effect.

If you are experiencing mental health problems, please call the NHS helpline 111 and select the mental health option.

Maintaining a healthy diet will lead to fewer mood swings, more energy, a more positive outlook, improved focus, and help you think more clearly. Even depression and anxiety symptoms can be reduced by a healthy diet, according to numerous studies.

If your blood sugar drops you may experience a low mood which will lead to you feeling tired, irritable, and depressed or “HANGRY”

Processed foods are high in carbs and sugar which will cause your blood sugar to skyrocket then plummet. Your blood sugar will shoot up like a rocket then fall rapidly, when you consume foods such as sweets, biscuits, sugary drinks (especially fruit smoothies) and alcohol.

To learn more about how fruit smoothies can spike your blood sugar please take a look at this innocent smoothie experiment.

In many instances, your “gut” tells you how you’re feeling emotionally. You may experience a slowdown or speedup in your gut if you are stressed or anxious. Fiber and fluid are essential for healthy digestion, as is regular exercise.

Probiotic foods such as live yoghurt, beans, pulses, vegetables, and certain fruits can promote healthy gut bacteria.

We have combined a list of a few tips to help you eat healthier and improve your mood:

• Stay hydrated with 6 to 8 cups or glasses of water per day
• Manage caffeine intake
• Prioritise sleeping for 7-9 hours each night
• Incorporate plenty quality protein and healthy saturated fats into your diet
• Include some fruit (dark berries) and (above ground) vegetables in your daily diet

A healthy mind is the best indicator of a long, happy and healthy life. With regular, 1-2-1 lifestyle coaching exclusively from qualified health professionals, you will receive a personalised stress reduction, nutrition & exercise regime.

We want you to have a longer, more active life doing the things you love, with the people who mean the most to you.

For more information about healthy eating and how food can affect your mood, visit the Public Health Collaboration website to read their range of food fact sheets.