The Scientific, Social, and Specific Impact of Food on Mood

Our diet does a lot more for us than simply fill us up and keep us going (though, of course, this is important). Food affects every aspect of how we live our lives. It affects our mind, body, and soul. The impact of food on our mood is also something that cannot be underestimated.

The Overall Impact of Food on Mood

The iconic Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw said, “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” Food is what can lift us when we are down and can change the way we see the world.

Of course, food can also have the opposite effect. With a poor diet, not only will we feel worse physically, but our mood will also suffer. How we eat also often changes the way we view ourselves.

When it comes to food, it is not just the nutrition contained in it that affects mood. Mood is also affected by how someone interacts with that food. If one is eating nutritious foods but is not enjoying eating them, their mood will almost certainly not improve. The key is to find a nice balance between nutritious and delicious to get the most positive impacts of food on mood.

The Scientific Truths About the Impact of Food on Mood

The science supports the positive impact of food on mood. According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), “In recent years, the relationships between nutrition and mental health have gained considerable interest. Indeed, epidemiological research has observed that adherence to healthy or Mediterranean dietary patterns – high consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes; moderate consumption of poultry, eggs, and dairy products; and only occasional consumption of red meat – is associated with a reduced risk of depression.”

Notice that healthy mood-boosting diets are not just about choosing one food over another. It is more about finding a healthy balance of foods. Also, it is about finding a balance of foods that offer the optimal amounts of nutrition while also ensuring that we are fully satiated.

If we don’t like what we eat, two things are going to happen. One, we are going to resent eating those things and develop a bad relationship with eating. Two, we are going to stop eating those foods and potentially start eating a much poorer diet. The key is to find the right balance that is going to keep our bodies and emotions healthy.

The Social Truths About the Impact of Food on Mood

The way we eat is also very social. Our social landscape often determines what foods we are going to eat. Unfortunately, the social landscape regarding food right now can be rather toxic. A lot of companies and restaurants that are competing for our food dollars prioritize profits over people.

Many of us can become confused about what we should or should not eat and ultimately give in to eating foods that are the most readily available. This means they are usually the most processed. However, when we eat that way, it can lead us down a mood spiral. A diet like this can also lead to health problems like obesity and diabetes and a view of ourselves that we don’t desire. The good news, though, is that there are many healthy and enjoyable ways around this.

The Impact of Food on Long-Term Happiness

The key to finding long-term happiness with food is to find healthy nutritious foods that also make us satisfied and happy. This is where we here at LifeSpring Home Nutrition can be of service. We offer medically tailored meals with direct at-home delivery to take the work out of making the right or wrong choices when it comes to food.

Also, all of our foods are customized to each of our client’s preferences. We ensure that the food being delivered has been personally selected as food that can contribute to a positive mood. Food should never be considered a short-term fix. This is why all of these “fad” diets burn out so quickly.

Instead, food should be about making the right choices for long-term happiness and optimal mood. When this happens, the opportunity to live a fuller more active life becomes all the more possible.

Getting Optimal Nutrition With LifeSpring Home Nutrition

Here at LifeSpring Home Nutrition, we believe in offering food that is going to help people feel their best. Yes, this includes how it positively affects their mood. We don’t eat just to get by. No, we eat to remind ourselves how sweet life can be.

Here at LifeSpring Nutrition, we also believe, as Hippocrates taught, that “food is medicine.” Food is not just medicine for the body either, but medicine for the mind, mood, and soul as well. No one deserves to live a life that is subpar because of their diet. With LifeSpring Home Nutrition available to deliver quality tailored meals, no one has to.

With an increased emphasis on physical health, people often neglect the mental health aspect of nourishment. Food can have an enormous impact on our cognitions (thoughts), emotions (feelings), and behaviors (actions). A healthy diet has also been shown to positively increase mood, reduce stress, and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. If you feel like you or someone you love can benefit from healthy, medically tailored meals with convenient home delivery, we can help. For more information about how a healthy diet can have a positive impact on your mental health, and how LifeSpring Home Nutrition can help enhance your quality of life with balanced, healthy, and delicious meals, reach out to us today at (800) 798-5767.