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When we talk about nutrition, it\u2019s usually connected to our bodies. For example, we need calcium for strong bones, vitamin A for good\u00a0vision<\/a>\u00a0and lots of fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n However, what we eat affects our mood and overall mental health too, says Andrea Shackel, a registered dietitian at Revive Wellness, creators of\u00a0My Viva Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe definitely know that eating well is really important for our mental health,\u201d Shackel says.<\/p>\n There is\u00a0some evidence<\/a>\u00a0that healthy eating along with other treatment can help people manage mood disorders. There is limited evidence about which specific foods are best for your mental health, Shackel says. But what is good for our bodies tends to be good for our minds too. \u201cWhen we eat better and take care of our bodies through sleep, self-care and exercise, our mood tends to be better,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Some foods are especially useful for keeping your brain happy and your mood stable, Shackel says. Here are groups to focus on:<\/p>\n Nutrition can play a role in treatment for those with depression or another mood disorder, Shackel says. But it isn\u2019t black and white. \u201cWhat might work for one person might not work for the next,\u201d she says. It\u2019s important to work with a mental health professional to determine the right treatment for you. That could include\u00a0therapy<\/a>\u00a0and medication along with healthy eating and exercise.<\/p>\n Food can boost our mood even when it isn\u2019t \u201chealthy.\u201d When you smell a delicious pie baking, your nose sends positive signals to your brain, Shackel says. We connect food with all kinds of feelings \u2013 like family, holidays and celebrations.<\/p>\n Not all of that food will be nutrient-rich and that\u2019s okay. Nutrition is important but so is our mindset when it comes to food. Stop thinking of some food as \u201cgood\u201d and other food as \u201cbad,\u201d she suggests. \u201cFor people struggling with their weight, that can be really damaging to their mental health.\u201d<\/p>\n A better approach is to practice\u00a0mindful eating<\/a>. The first step to eat more mindfully is to reflect on your eating habits, Shackel says. Instead of feeling guilty about snacking or eating that bowl of ice cream, ask yourself some thoughtful questions. For example:<\/p>\n When you reflect, you can build a more positive relationship with your food. Being aware of how you feel before, during and after eating some foods can help you make better decisions.<\/p>\n For example, you may realize that when you drink coffee in the afternoon it\u2019s harder to sleep. Then the next day when you feel tired, you tend to eat more sugar. Knowing that can help you break the negative cycle. And you can enjoy treats guilt-free knowing they\u2019re part of a thoughtful approach to eating overall.<\/p>\n Nutrition can be confusing. From Keto to the Mediterranean Diet and everything in between, there is a lot of conflicting information out there. In general, avoiding restrictive diets is your best bet, Shackel says. Unless it\u2019s a medical requirement, a diet that says you can never eat certain foods can hurt you more than it helps. When you try a difficult diet that you don\u2019t enjoy, it doesn\u2019t make you happy and you tend to give up. Then it\u2019s harder to try again.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re feeling confused about nutrition, consider speaking with a dietitian, Shackel says. They can help you make a plan for your lifestyle that\u2019s healthy and enjoyable too. Depending on your situation, you may benefit from working with a psychologist and a dietitian on your diet. At\u00a0My Viva Plan<\/a>, there is a registered psychologist on hand to help people develop healthy lifestyles.<\/p>\n Lindsay Jolivet<\/p>\n –<\/p>\nFoods for a better mood<\/h3>\n
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Are there foods that fight depression?<\/h3>\n
Why you need a healthy relationship with food<\/h3>\n
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Navigating confusion about diets<\/h3>\n