You are what you eat

Did you know that having a poor diet can increase your risk of depression?

Any diet that focuses on consuming nutrient dense, unprocessed foods has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms can include low mood, loss of interest, disrupted sleep or appetite, poor concentration, and low self-esteem.

It is highly important to limit ultra-processed foods, and eat enough nutrient dense foods, to assist our body’s remarkable healing power. Eating a nutrient dense diet with unprocessed foods can help to reduce inflammation and stress, improve our gut microbiome, and of course improve our overall mood.

Our mood is affected by under-eating as well. Under-eating can lead to irritability, and can result in stronger cravings.  How many people are limiting food during the day and end up feasting on the wrong foods at night?  Planning and pre-preparing meals can help us to have easily accessible, nutrient dense, healthy, and nourishing foods on hand.