While diet alone cannot replace other therapeutic approaches for mental health conditions, it can certainly compliment and be used in combination. It’s important to note that one single healthy meal will not drastically improve your mood. Overall dietary patterns, which involve consistency and integration into your lifestyle are the key to optimising your health and wellbeing.
Nutrition is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of our health and wellbeing. With small, consistent changes you can make a significant impact. Here’s to a happier and healthier you.
Ten tips to eat for your mood:
- Diversify your diet: include a variety of fruits and vegetables. The more colour, the better.
- Choose nutrient dense foods: prioritise nutrient dense foods and limit ultra-processed options.
- Incorporate wholegrains: opt for fibre rich wholegrains like grainy bread, brown rice, oats and wholegrain pasta.
- Embrace oily fish: include 2-3 serves/week of oily fish to get in your essential omega-3 fats.
- Mindful eating: integrate joy, mindfulness and social connectedness into your meals. Perhaps schedule in regular dinner with family and friends if you live alone.
- Healthy fats: include other healthy sources of fats including nuts, seeds and extra virgin olive oil.
- Stay hydrated: consume enough water throughout the day. Fluid requirements can range from 1.5-3L per day for adults.
- Moderate alcohol intake: drink alcohol in moderation and avoid binge drinking episodes.
- Meal Planning: plan meals ahead of time, cook in bulk and freeze for later to ensure healthy homemade meals are readily available.
- Consulting a dietitian: While these tips do provide advice, they are general in nature. Consider consulting with a dietitian for a personalised advice tailored to your needs.