It is that time of the year when the candy comes out. All of the cakes and cookies baked to perfection. Don’t forget the decadent and savory meals prepared for family and friends to feast on. Comfort foods are sprinkled throughout our lives to help carry us through all of those hard times. But did you know there are foods that can make you feel good and foods that can make you feel bad…naturally?
Foods of the body
I am not going to bore you with all of the medical and chemical descriptions of how our bodies work. But think about this? You had an especially bad week. That tub of ice cream and box of cookies seemed to be the miracle to get you through it all. Now that the week is over and things are settling, how are you feeling? How is your body feeling? Too many people don’t fully grasp that our mind affects our body, our body affects our mind, and both the body and mind affect our emotions. Another words, we need to treat our mind, body, and emotions with extra care.
Take Advantage
With the holidays coming up, the talk about diets is just crazy. What we can do is use food to our advantage. Did you know that there are foods that help battle depression? How about foods reducing symptoms of anxiety? These foods are in most of your kitchens now. Even some that fight insomnia and reduce effects of dementia.
10 Foods the Boost Mental Health
Holiday Foods
We have the Thanksgiving feast in the United States coming up soon. On that table we may see sweet potato pie, stuffing, cornbread, mashed potatoes, green bean casseroles, and so much more surrounding the turkey bird, roast, or other protein you celebrate. What if you were to incorporate some spinach or maybe use yogurt in your cooking?
Common foods of chicken and salmon bring forth chemicals in our body that boost our minds, making our thoughts clearer. Fruits and vegetables of bananas, spinach, carrots, apples and other berries and citrus fruits boost our vitamin B levels fighting against depression, anxiety, and improves overall mental health. Not too bad, right? I know I have many of these items in my refrigerator now to snack on.
The good and the bad
What about the other side of life? Yes, there are foods out there that heighten our stress, anxiety, and more. You guessed it…sugar, processed foods and meats, and of course the carbs. These types of foods lower our energy levels, bringing stress and irritability.
I am in no way saying not to enjoy in the treats the holidays bring us. Maybe think about how you can incorporate some “mental health” foods into your treats. Add a spinach salad with carrots, cucumbers, and sprinkled with berries to the meal. Who knows…you just might be too full for that second piece of pie for dessert.
Working with food
When your body feels good, your mind is clearer and sharper, giving way to your emotions reflecting a more positive outlook. Your body is heavy and strained from overeating during the feast, your mind will become sluggish and tired, allowing your emotions to dwell over stresses. Personally, I plan on making our turkey with my stuffing and potatoes for the family. But I think having a small salad on the side for me and maybe a tomato, olive, and cucumber salad for the husband will go a long way. For dessert, sure a cheesecake sounds great, so maybe a fresh berry compote on top.
The holidays are well on their way into our homes this year. Rich foods and sweet treats are being made as we speak. Let’s wish for a happy, peaceful, and an emotional-rich holiday season with family and friends. (I probably shouldn’t mention that I have been snacking on a bag of Cheetos while writing this.)
With great warmth,
