It is a well known fact that what we eat and drink can affect our mood. Our body and mind responds to what we digest not just on a physiological level but also on an emotional level. However, everyone has a tendency to ignore this on a small or grand scale to some degree depending on how busy or chaotic our lives become. The end result being we feel drained, emotional, moody, tired and irritable. It can be an ongoing struggle for many of us to incorporate a healthy eating mind set into our lives and yet when we do, we feel so much better, more energised and positive. The challenge, of course, is to maintain and sustain this approach. Some Golden Rules to follow;
- Eat Breakfast and kick start your metabolism.
- Include fruit and vegetables in your diet.
- Eat regularly and include fish, chicken and any lean meat in your diet.
- Drink plenty of water (6 to 8) glasses per day.
- Avoid late night eating and too many take aways!
- Watch portion size.
- Reduce Caffeine
- Be mindful of alcohol consumption.
Some key foods to include are minerals such as magnesium, found in nuts, whole grains and green leafy vegetables, zinc, found in meat, milk, legumes and whole grains and iron, found in red meat, green leafy vegetables, eggs and some fruit. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found in oily fish and some plants are also very important and of course vitamins such as vitamin B, C and E. Again whole grains, fruit and vegetables important here. Changes in our diet can enhance our cognitive abilities and indeed protect the brain from any damage, boosting our mood and general sense of wellbeing. So consider the benefits of certain foods in the wider context and you are not only trying to counteract heart disease and cancer through these choices but you are also protecting the brain and looking after your mental health. Go further and make exercise part of the equation and you are well on your way to a healthier you; another layer of self- care is sleep. Strive for 8 hours and when awake strive for healthy eating and moderate exercise. Our physical and mental state is often vulnerable and under duress so it is important to acknowledge this and fuel our being with the right nutrients and minerals when, and if, necessary. Needless to say have the occasional treat and indulge a little every now and then because something sweet and tasty is deserved and worthwhile after all your hard work to be good! Bon Appetite!
SouthWest Counselling Centre Killarney provides affordable professional counselling to children, adolescents adults and couples – both at its Killarney Centre (Lewis Road) and at Kenmare Family Centre. info@southwestcounselling.ie.
Kerry LifeLine provides FREE counselling and support to anyone feeling suicidal or bereaved through suicide. info@kerrylifeline.com
To make an appointment call 064 6636416/064 66364100
SouthWest Counselling Centre is a not-for-profit organization. All funds raised through fundraising go directly to service provision
Limited spaces available for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2016. Please email swccrokcycle@gmail.com for details.
