Diet and Mental Health: Tips from a Clinical Professional Counselor

Are you eating well-balanced meals and snacks? Since our brain controls and regulates our body's vital functions, it is essential that our brain receives adequate fuel and oxygen. You might want to pay more attention to how you feel when you eat, and what you eat. 

Mental illness is ranked as a large contributor to the global health crisis, including depression, so it is critical to evaluate dietary strategies to overcome these conditions. If you are feeling stressed, try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks, processed foods and foods that are high in trans fats and saturated fats. Moderation is key.

Food alone isn't necessarily the answer. Getting exercise and enough sleep are essential in treating underlying mental health issues.

Here are a few tips:

• Stay well hydrated and drink water throughout the day. Try to stay away from soft drinks and be aware of drinks that contain too much sugar.
• Eat healthy fats, these include olive oil, avocado and coconut oil. These fats help to support your brain function.
• Eat breakfast! Why? It breaks the overnight fasting period and replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness.
• When you get hungry try to have a healthy snack, these include fresh fruits and vegetables, unsalted nuts and seeds, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, lower fat yogurt, lower fat cheese, whole grain bread, crackers and cereals.