Food and Mental Health: Eat Good, Feel Good Because our bodies and our brains require many different nutrients to function properly and to feel good, what we eat is critically important. There is a growing body of research studying the impact of diet on emotional health and wellbeing, and increasingly showing that what we eat can influence our moods, thoughts and emotional wellbeing—both positively and negatively. Below are just some of the ways that nutrients can impact our emotional health. Magnesium (beans, nuts, dark chocolate) Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety and improves sleep. B vitamins (leafy greens, eggs, poultry) Crucial for maintaining mental energy, reducing brain fog and supporting mood regulation Iron (beans, spinach, red meat) Can improve focus, mental clarity and cognitive function, especially in individuals with ADHD Zinc (pumpkin seeds, seafood, eggs) Supports dopamine production and can enhance focus, motivation and hyperactivity — key areas often affected by ADHD Whole Food Recipe of the Month Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, this chia seed pudding with berries is a game-changer Chia Seed Pudding With Berries Ingredients · 1/4 cup chia seeds · 1 cup almond milk (or any milk you prefer) · 1 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste) · 1/2 tsp vanilla extract · 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen) Instructions · In a medium bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to avoid clumps. · Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir again. This prevents the chia seeds from settling at the bottom. · Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The pudding will thicken as it chills. · Before serving, give the pudding a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of almond milk to loosen it up. · Top with mixed berries right before eating for a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy pudding. · Creamy with a slight crunch from the chia seeds, this pudding is a delight. Try layering it with granola for extra texture or drizzling with honey for added sweetness. Try These Winning Combinations Oats and bananas Turkey sandwich Provide carbohydrates and tryptophan, which help your brain produce serotonin. This supports steadier mood, better sleep and emotion regulation. Beans and bell peppers Spinach salad with clementine slices Vitamin C helps your body absorb more iron, which can boost energy and focus. Yogurt and bananas Combines probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health, digestion and mood. Salmon salad with chia seeds Egg and vegetable scramble Rich in omega-3s and choline, these nutrients support brain function, concentration and emotional balance.
Multiple Benefits Of Eating More Whole Foods. For many of us, making changes to our eating patterns is a common New Year’s goal. For some it’s about improving health; for others, it’s about weight loss. But whatever your reason for trying to eat healthier, adding more whole foods to your diet can help you reach your goals. Whole foods are foods in their most natural state, minimally processed, and free from added sugars, fats, and preservatives. Whole foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean proteins. Whole foods offer rich nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that support better digestion, weight management, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. So adding more of them and reducing processed foods in your diet, will help no matter what your nutritional goals may be! And with the new year upon us, there is no better time to start making positive changes! Whole Food Recipe of the Month - Sweet potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes – Olive oil – 2 tbsp – Black beans – 1 (15-oz) can, drained and rinsed – Corn tortillas – 8 – Avocado – 1, sliced – Lime – 1, cut into wedges – Salt – ½ tsp – Cumin – 1 tsp – Chili powder – 1 tsp 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp of olive oil, ½ tsp of salt, 1 tsp of cumin, and 1 tsp of chili powder until evenly coated. 3. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. 4. Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and lightly browned around the edges. 5. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. 6. Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and slightly softened. 7. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds per side. 8. Assemble the tacos by placing a spoonful of roasted sweet potatoes and black beans onto each warmed tortilla. 9. Top each taco with sliced avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime juice from the wedges. 10. Serve immediately while warm. Tips For Adding Whole Foods To Your Diet How to Add Whole Foods Start with Swaps: Replace white bread with whole wheat, white rice with brown rice or quinoa, and sugary cereals with oatmeal. Embrace Fruits & Veggies: Aim for a rainbow of colors daily, adding a handful of spinach to smoothies or berries to yogurt. Choose Whole Grains: Opt for oats, barley, farro, and whole- grain pasta. Incorporate Lean Proteins: Include fish, chicken, beans, lentils, tofu, and eggs. Snack Smart: Grab nuts, seeds, or a piece of fruit instead of chips or cookies. Cook at Home: Prepare meals using fresh ingredients to control what goes in them. Shop the Perimeter: Focus on the fresh produce, dairy, and meat sections, as processed items are usually in the center aisles. What to Limit Processed Foods: Cut back on packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food. Refined Carbs: Reduce white flour, white sugar, and similar items. Added Sugars & Unhealthy Oils: Be mindful of hidden sugars and trans fats. Sources for this month’s newsletter have been taken from: https://www.google.com/search?q=Adding+whole+foods+to+your+diet&sca_esv=07b4a2215fc3982c&source=hp&ei=1wpDaZrcA_if5NoPqa29iAw&iflsig=AOw8s4IAA AAAaUMY59d6uvIx-; https://goodhealthrecipes.com/whole-food-diet-recipes/ The Food and Thought Program works to promote awareness and provide short term counselling around the important link between. nutrition and emotional health. For more information or for a referral to the program, please contact the Food and Thought Program This work is supported by the Beverly and Addison Gilbert Hospital Community Benefits Community Grant Program.
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Fall Is Here: What Is Comfort Food And Why Do We Crave It? With cooler weather, cravings for feel-good, or “comfort foods” often also come. These are foods that we associate with warmth, care and comfort (thus the nickname). But many of us may not understand the reasons we crave these foods nor the impact they may be having on our physical and emotional health. According to PsychologyToday, people eat comfort foods primarily for emotional relief, pleasure, and nostalgia, as these foods activate the brain’s “reward system” and often evoke positive memories. While this may sound like a positive strategy to evoke comforting feelings, there is a potential downside. The foods that many find comforting are also high in sugars and saturated fats, producing immediate emotional reward, but also potentially longer-term problems for our physical and emotional wellbeing. This is especially true if we eat them more than occasionally.
Nutrition and Children’s Mental Health: What You Need To Know While it is important for all of us to receive adequate nutrition to function at our best, it is especially important for children to eat the right foods. We have long known that proper nutrition is important for things like physical growth, weight, bone density and the development of muscle mass and a strong immune system. And studies are now showing the significant role nutrients play in the development of our cognitive abilities. This is because brain development begins in the womb and continues into the mid-20s! The foods children eat don’t just fuel their bodies; it also plays a crucial role in their social, emotional, and mental development. Understanding the importance of nutrition and making informed dietary choices can have a significant impact on our children’s physical and mental health not only in the present, but far into the future. As we gear up for back to school, now is a great time to think about how the foods we offer children throughout the day affect their ability to focus, concentrate, learn new material, and regulate their behavior.