Have you noticed that your mood often affects the types of food you choose – as well as how much you eat!
If you are anything like me you will no doubt be nodding to that question. I have always been a relatively good seasonal eater – I actually find that naturally our bodies and or minds seem to crave things seasonally. I know in summer when the sun is shinning and the mood is lighter with longer days, I always want salads and fresh lighter veggies or picnics and freshly picked strawberries. As autumn approaches and the root veggies start being harvested, the more I want to roast squashes to make soup, bake figs drizzled with honey or to sit with family and enjoy a big roast. Do you ever find that your bodies crave seasonal foods naturally?
However, that doesn’t mean that when a hard week at work has been endured that we make good choices. There are times when we all reach for the phone to order take out or stuff our faces with chocolate during that week leading up to the pre-menstral cycle. Having skipped lunch due to being too busy and eating 3 bags of crisps on the way to the school run. Sound familiar? Lets be honest..although in the heat of moment its a great quick fix, it often leads us to crash. The mood doesn’t lift as we hoped it might and we end up feeling mega rubbish. The blood sugar levels drop, the mood decreases, you may get tired and feel depressed or just a bit short fused with those around you. This is a classic situation where we don’t put ourselves first throughout the day.
I know if I plan my food ahead of time, be present in my day and mindfully make my food choices that it will benefit my mood. I can cope with so much more throughout the day and in a much better way. Choosing the right foods with slow releasing energy will keep your sugar levels balanced. Water intake is also hugely important with health professionals recommending 6-8 glasses every day.
Sometimes your gut can also reflect how you are feeling emotionally. If you’re stressed or anxious this can make your gut slow down or speed up. For healthy digestion you need to have plenty of fibre, fluid and exercise regularly.
My top tips for a better mood through the week
1 – Hydrate your body with at least 6 glasses of water each day. 2ltrs ideally. This keeps your gut happier for digestion and your skin healthy.
2 – try to get into a regular eating pattern. This equally helps your gut stay happy and your sugar levels balanced to keep your mood in check.
3 – Get in your 5 a day of fruit and veg. (A portion is roughly one of your handfuls).
4 – Manage the caffeine – having caffeine is fine but if your consuming 5 cups a day your body won’t be happy. Look into teas that are more gentle for digestion – peppermint or chamomile are great alternatives.
5 – if you find yourself feeling stressed and think it may start to affect your gut or mood then look into some relaxing techniques and breathing exercises. I posted some on a previous blog about mindful cooking – go check it out!
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