The food we eat can really dictate how we feel.
Food has such a huge effect on a person’s overall wellbeing. The food we eat can really dictate how we feel. Physically food can impact us in a huge amount of ways. When we are too hungry we feel physical pain.
When we are too full we can feel uncomfortable carrying out basic daily activities. But the kind of food we eat really makes all of the difference. The choices we make when it comes to our diet can have a positive or negative effect on our health. Food is fuel we require to keep going but are you putting the best fuel into your body every single day?
Have you ever noticed a connection between food and your mood? It is no great coincidence. What we eat affects the way our body functions as well as processes information and emotions. It impacts hormones, energy levels and sleep which all play a really big role in how we feel day to day.
You might notice that after certain meals or food groups you feel energised, pro-active and in a more upbeat mind frame. In contrast, perhaps you experience a lack of enthusiasm and feel lethargic after certain other foods.
With food having such a great impact on our well-being we ought to give it as much attention as we can especially when it affects how we perform at work, treat those around us and feel within our relationships.
Believe it or not, these foods can play a role in leading a person to being in a bad mood.
Sugar
It is no great surprise but sugar really does have a lot to answer for. Are you putting sugar in your cups of tea or coffee and following it with a little treat of sorts? You might notice it coincides with a bit of an afternoon slump at work. The lack of energy and feeling of lethargy can make you feel less productive, more tired and eventually lead to a bad mood. Sugar is known for it’s high but what goes up must come down.
Alcohol
Many of us associate this with letting loose, me-time and a feeling of happiness but the next day and subsequent days can take the hit. There is a “low” that often derives from the “high” that alcohol brings and it often doesn’t take very much for it to impact you. If a couple of glasses of wine is leading to a weekend of feeling down in the dumps, is it worth it in the long run?
Deli Meats
Cold cuts of meats like ham and turkey can contain high levels of nitrates, food colourings and preservatives. These can wipe your energy and lead to mood swings. They also contain high levels of salt which can lead to bloating, water retention and general discomfort which does your mood no favours.
Canned Foods
Many canned foods contain high levels of sodium (salt) which can negatively impact your body but many nutritionists show a greater concern for whether they contain BPA or not. Look out for “BPA free” as this is a chemical additive which can be linked to anxiety.
Crisps
They go hand in hand with your lunch-time sandwich but could they be negatively impacting your mood? Experts believe that the high dose of saturated fat (when they are fried) can lead to inflammation in different parts of the body. Inflammation can be linked to feeling emotionally unstable.
Tracey is a happy mammy to four-year-old Billy. She is a breastfeeder, gentle parent and has recently lost five stone so healthy family eating is her passion! You can find her at www.loveofliving.ie.
