Get the Support You Need

Learn from thousands of users who have made their way through our courses. Need help getting started? Watch this short video.

today's top discussions:

logo

Challenging Worry

Ashley -> Health Educator

2024-04-20 11:42 PM

Depression Community

logo

Hello

Linda Q

2024-04-11 5:06 AM

Anxiety Community

logo

Addiction

Ashley -> Health Educator

2024-04-08 3:54 PM

Managing Drinking Community

logo

New Year's Resolutions

Ashley -> Health Educator

2024-03-25 2:47 AM

Managing Drinking Community

This Month’s Leaders:

Most Supportive

Browse through 411.748 posts in 47.053 threads.

160,501 Members

Please welcome our newest members: Fwcl, anonymeLouise, RDANIELA NICOLE, Lfr, CPADUA

The food and mood connection


13 years ago 0 659 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have to agree that diet affects the way I am feeling.  If I am eating better and exercising I feel a lot better both emotionally and physically.  I have spent way to much time sitting at the computer online. This kind of crept up on me without me realizing it and I began to live a very sedentary lifestyle.  I believe this has seriously affected my health.  My blood pressure is way to high and I have gained weight because of this lifestyle.  So I have decided to spent less time on line and focus more of my attention on improving my diet and exercising on a regular basis. For me it is more than just diet. I need both a healthy diet and exercise.  Which means I need to make some lifestyle changes. Starting now.
 
Red
13 years ago 0 11 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Teebs,
I also have a hard time eating when I'm feeling anxious...and when I do decide to eat, it has to be exactly what I want, and exactly when I want it! And most times, its not good foods! I'm a certified personal trainer...so I know all the ins and outs of proper eating and how when you put good things into your body, your body will then put out good results. But, when I'm feeling anxious and not wanting to eat, that whole theory goes out the window! And when I finally want something, I just get happy that I am feeling ok to eat even if it is chocolate covered granola bar, or a big cheesy pizza! Its comforting, exactly like you said! I am getting much better now, my balanced diet is coming back into my life, but I still find it a struggle on some days.
13 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Sugar is my number one bad food. Number two is anything with caffeine. As for chocolate I can use pure organic cocoa and chips, and some European chocolate but not regular cocoa, chocolate chips and most chocolate bars. They give me bad headaches and make me mean.
I have been eating mostly organic for the last thirty years. But not while in the hospital. I think there may be a difference in my mood. Not positive though. I do best if I follow mixing carbs and proteins.

Davit
13 years ago 0 72 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I can definitely feel a difference from the foods I ingest.
Especially since I am a sensitive hypoglycemic.
After watching a documentary about the meat industry, we switched to organic foods from local farmers/ranchers. And as much other organic products as we can.  (not to say they are any better, still searching that out).
I can certainly feel a difference, I feel healthier and clearer, calmer, I'd even say happier.
When I don't eat sugar, and most of the time I don't, I feel more stable, alert, and eneretic.
I will say when I do eat the wrong type of sugar, I get moody, even hostile.
Unfortunately for me, I am allergic to the chemical in chocolate. Boo Hoo!
Instead of boosting the chemicals in my brain, they turn on me.  I can show rage, hostility, act like a maniac, and my brain feels like it is in a vice.  After two major episodes last year of acting out big time,I stopped eating chocolate, and have not had any episodes.  I luckily lost my craving for it and got thru Halloween without it.
I made my husband a special dessert and he wasn't around to test taste it, so I licked a small dab of chocolate off my finger. Even though I tried to rinse my mouth, the next day I was moody and irritable.
If I need comfort food to help me relax, it can be fresh baked biscuits or bread - the smell does just as much to relax me as eatting it.  And there are many others. If I've had a very bad week,  I will have a pint of ice cream once a month all at once, it makes me happy! There are many childhood foods, also along with smells, that give me that sense of security.
13 years ago 0 653 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Teebs,
 
You raise a good point. Often when diet/nutrition suggestions are made, we think it has to be all or nothing. Let's start small instead. I suggest that you take one of your least healthy comfort foods and try to find a healthier substitute. Think of this as part of your road to success-- just like doing one of the activities in the program. It might be a good exercise to prove to yourself that you are able to make small changes because you know it will be better for you!
 
No pressure but keep us posted. I think you can do this!
 
Tiana, Health Educator
13 years ago 0 286 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have also read about how foods that are better for you can help to improve your mood and overall well-being. I believe this, but I've had a harder time putting this into practice. For instance, when I'm anxious, my appetite usually suffers. When I do feel like eating, it is often "comfort foods" that aren't usually in that "good food" category (except for maybe chocolate ). Several people have suggested I alter my diet to help with anxiety, but shifting to eating new foods is hard for me to want to do while battling anxiety issues. I'd be interested to hear if others have had success with this!
13 years ago 0 221 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
 Hi Members,  

I wanted to share an article I recently read called. “The food and mood connection.” The article discussed how the food we consume affects our mood. The authors state that food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, low glycemic foods, and chocolate have all been associated with improved moods. In addition, the authors note “Combining food such as carbohydrates and protein increases the level of serotonin in your brain.” (Nelson and Zeratsky, 2009). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in your brain, which are chemicals released in your brain and it is associated with calm moods.

The article is talking about a connection between the body and mind. Though the two were once regarded as independent from each other in the medical community, many people believe that two are interdependent. If we consume foods that are good for us, we experience positive physical effects. If we feel physically well, we are better able to deal with challenges. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and vise versa.

Members, what are your thoughts on the body-mind connection?

 Helena, Health Educator

Reading this thread: