Food Affects Mood
Written by Alexander Thompson, LMSW, CAADC

It is a proven fact that food affects mood. Did you know that poor digestion is uniquely correlated with poor mental health? Simply improving digestion through nutrition and education can have significant effects on one’s mental wellbeing. Our digestive system serves as a second brain. It relies on the same type of neurons and neurotransmitters that are found in the central nervous system to function properly. Therefore, in addition to the saying “you are what you eat” you also “think how you eat.”

SAD (Standard American Diet)

The Standard American Diet is known for being high in processed foods, unhealthy fats and added sugar. While these foods often come at a convenience, there is a tradeoff with the efficiency of the type of food we put in our systems. Essentially, it’s like putting in a lower grade fuel in a high end sports car. For instance, to make up for this lack of performance, we tend to over rely on caffeine, refined (processed) carbohydrates and more sugar to provide an energy boost. Herein lies the problem and creates a vicious cycle of unhealthy eating patterns.

Motivation

Are you tired of feeling tired all the time, or dealing with physical or mental health issues consistently? Maybe you have known for a while that a better diet and/or exercise would be an important necessary step towards self-care. You also acknowledge that its challenging to make lifestyle changes, but you would enjoy the benefits of proper nutrition. Is what you are doing now working? In this year especially, we have all been forced to endure and adapt to changes outside of our control. What, if anything, is preventing you from making the changes that you want?

Taking action

A common misbelief is that a lifestyle change must be drastic and immediate. People who try to make a lifestyle change with this viewpoint often fail because the change becomes unrealistic and unsustainable. If you are leaning towards taking action to a healthy lifestyle it may be beneficial to start a food mood diary to pinpoint exactly how the food you eat makes you feel. A food mood diary consists of journaling all the food and beverages you consume in a day and its effect on your mood and energy 30-60 minutes after you eat it for 3-5 days.  This can be a great informational tool to start off your healthy lifestyle journey. With the information you have from the food mood diary try substituting some of the refined processed foods with more fruits, vegetables and lean protein.

Support in the process

Starting a change can often be the hardest part of changing, especially when doing it alone. My passion as a therapist is behavior change as well as nutrition and fitness. I will be facilitating a 6 week nutrition education group focusing on accountability, motivation and nutrition education with a registered dietician in mid-January. The group will consist of a maximum of 7 participants, one group for males and one for females. For more information, or to register for the group, please call 616-949-9550 ext. 148. Learn more here.

  Alexander Thompson, LMSW, CAADC obtained his MSW at Grand Valley State University. He has extensive training and experience working with addictions. His personal interest in health and wellness built into a passion that now encompasses how he approaches mental health and his work with his clients. When not at work you can find him spending time with his family or working out at the gym. Learn more here.