We often refer to our diet as “fuel” for our bodies. It makes sense that in order for your body to run the smoothest, you need a higher quality diet just as we need high quality fuel for our vehicles. The quality of diet makes a significant difference in not only our physical well-being, but also our psychological well-being. Simply put, what you eat directly affects the structure and function of your brain and, ultimately, your mood. Here are my top reasons to eat a healthy diet for sake of psychological benefits.
Wards off Depression
There is more and more emerging evidence of the connection between your gut and brain. Probiotics (A.K.A. good bacteria) have a wide variety of functions that is just starting to be understood. There are over 100 trillion bacteria in the body, most of them in the gut and most of them supporting such essential functions as digestion, immunity, metabolism and even mental health. This connection may have a lot to do with the probiotics ability to reduce inflammation, which has previously been linked with depression and a host of other disorders. Additional research shows a lack of vitamin B12, iron and calcium is often the culprit in mild cases of depression and anxiety.
Improves Learning and Concentration
We already know breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but maybe didn’t know it’s one the key ways to maximize your daily energy and increase concentration for the day. Overnight is basically a long fast and your body is running on fumes when you wake up, therefore it’s important to get fuel in first thing in the morning, ideally between 60 and 90 minutes of waking up. Complex carbohydrates and protein for fuel is the best way to increase learning ability and maximize concentration. And an overall healthy diet creates a solid base for learning new techniques in education and improved social and interactive behavior.
Builds Self Worth
A healthy body image begins with healthy eating. Taking care of your body with good nutrition means you are putting yourself first, and that mindset has the ability to create an inherent sense of wellness. Of course proper nutrition is also important in keeping inflammation at bay, and keeping blood sugars and energy levels steady, which all equate to a better mood and improved self-esteem.
High quality “fuel” comes from the foods you eat, and what’s in that fuel makes all the difference. So, if you are searching for a way to improve your mood, find more energy, reduce mild depression or anxiety, increase concentration and feel good about yourself, then a healthy diet can help.
Not only will eating healthy help you to lose weight faster, it will also make you feel better psychologically. Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating meal plans are a great solution for benefiting both your physical and mental health. Have questions about which meal plan is right for you? Contact us and we will help pick the perfect plan for your needs.
