It’s no secret that what you eat affects your weight, your heart and many other aspects of your physical health.
Did you know there’s also a strong connection between food and your mental health?
“We are a whole system,” says Synchronous Health Specialist Karen Brimeyer LMFT. “So, if one part is healthy, it stands to reason the other parts would be healthier, too.”
A healthy diet can work wonders for your overall well-being, mood and outlook on life.
For example, eating a lot of sugar can slow down your ability to think and focus. And research from Harvard Medical School and The Center For Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders shows that consuming a diet full of processed, refined foods and sugars can increase the potential for depression by as much as 80%.
On the flip side, a diet without these things can decrease the risk for depression by as much as 35%.
How to feed your mind ... in a healthy way
It’s not easy to break bad habits, but here are few tips to make it easier:
Remove. Eliminate foods that aren’t contributing to a healthy diet. Start small by taking away one or two things. For example, cut out sugar for a week, and see whether you notice a difference in your body AND your mind.
Replace. Find something to replace a bad habit. There are many healthier, tasty alternatives in the food world.
Reset. When you start eating better, you might find your mind is clearer and your thinking more positive. From this renewed perspective, consider other healthy habits you can develop, including exercise, meditation, a new hobby or volunteering.
Want some help developing healthier eating habits?
To connect with a specialist, visit sync.health/mnps or call 615-748-0625.
