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How Foods Impact Our Mood

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Nutritional Deficit Disorder and The Food-Mood Effect

Studies have shown that mood in both children and adults is affected by the food they eat. In fact, the brain is affected by what we eat more than any other organ. In other words, if you put junk in, you get junk out.

The biggest lesson to understand is this:

Real food is real medicine. It can help support a positive attitude and healthier lifestyle and behavior choices.

In a recent video from Michael Greger, MD, he supports the food mood effect that links the food we put in our body and how we feel.


Fake Foods vs. Real Foods

Fake foods that are packaged and processed affect the brain negatively in three ways. They are:

  1. Low in brain-building fats.
  2. High in brain-disturbing sugars.
  3. More likely to contain additives, which further throw the body and brain out of biochemical balance.

According to the food mood effect, a diet that's full of fresh, whole, natural foods will positively impact your energy level and your ability to cultivate a positive attitude about other lifestyle and behavior changes that you may be considering in your life.

Nutrition Label Keywords to Avoid

Become a smart shopper by recognizing the "bad words" on nutrition labels, including:

  • aspartame
  • MSG
  • hydrolyzed vegetable protein
  • BHT and other preservatives
  • HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)
  • red #40
  • blue #1
  • yellow #6
  • any other color-number combo

Avoiding foods with the ingredients listed above is the first step in choosing food that supports your brain function and, ultimately, your mood! Consider adding foods like blueberries, nuts, salmon and green leafy vegetables to your diet. These foods will give your brain the healthy fats and nutrients it needs to thrive.

The Food-Mood Diary

If you are interested in learning how your mood is impacted by foods, start your own food-mood diary! This will help you track how you feel after eating certain foods so you know what foods make you feel energized, vibrant and healthy while recognized which foods make you sluggish, sad, and unmotivated. (This is also a great tool if you're are trying to recognize food allergies in yourself or your children.)

Here is an example Food Mood Diary you can download and use:

food mood effect

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