How Your Diet Affects Your Mental Health
Here in Orange County, we pride ourselves on taking care of our physical appearance, but did you know the foods you ingest also have a huge effect on your overall mental health?
We’ve all heard the old saying, ‘you are what you eat…’ but that doesn’t really apply in 2021, right?
Unfortunately, despite all of our lives being turned upside down thanks to COVID-19, it still does. Not only do the foods you put into your body affect your outer appearance, but they can also affect your mental health and overall well-being.
Feeling COVID fatigue? Not sure why every morning feels foggy? A few simple tweaks to your diet can help brighten your mood, restore your energy, and curb anxiety.
Keep It Clean
Multiple studies have found that people who follow a Mediterranean-inspired diet are less likely to develop symptoms of depression. This way of eating has been linked to helping fight certain cancers and heart disease. Overhaul your diet to include fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats and limit your dairy and alcohol intake and you will start to feel the benefits right away.
Get Your Vitamin D On
Not only does it help aid in weight loss, but research has shown Vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression. Our bodies naturally produce Vitamin D when we’re out in the sun, but during those cold, winter months, we often have to find it elsewhere. Looking for ways to add some ‘D’ to your diet? Milk, orange juice and fatty fishes like tuna are great sources of this super vitamin.
‘Acid’ Trips
Incorporating ‘acids’ like folic acid and omega-3 fatty acid into your meals are also great ways to boost your mental health. Folic Acid is found in leafy green veggies and helps with cell production (it also helps your hair and nails grow). Omega-3 fatty acids, meanwhile, are often found in fish like salmon, trout, and sardines and help reduce inflammation and have been proven to boost one’s mood. Not a fish person? No worries! Olive oil, walnuts, and dark leafy veggies like broccoli and spinach are also full of this good fat.
Limit Your Caffeine Intake
Finding yourself going in for that second, third, even fourth cup of coffee lately? Wondering why you keep tossing and turning at night? Curbing your caffeine intake will not only help you sleep more soundly at night, but it can also help curb overall anxiety. Trying to quit cold turkey? Be aware of withdrawal symptoms like headaches or the jitters.
A Healthy Mindset Overall
Ready to be proud to say you really are what you eat but not sure how to get started? Taylor Made Cuisine makes eating better a breeze with our healthy meal delivery services. Our meal plans in Orange County are designed with your nutritional needs in mind. Answer a few questions and we’ll handle the rest! Our custom meal plans Irvine also take into account any dietary restrictions as well so you never get something you won’t want to eat. We also have vegetarian and vegan meal plan options.
The team at Taylor Made Cuisine has your back when it comes to eating healthy and nutritious meals—without the headache of meal prep. We are proud to serve our neighbors by providing meal delivery service in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, and beyond with tasty meals that will make you feel better inside and out!