Wake Up To The Power Of One

How Nutrition Helps Mental Health

Motivation is everything when it comes to being successful.

Feeling good often equals doing good. So, it should be no surprise that what you’re putting into your body impacts your performance. If you’re eating junk, your performance will be junk. Your performance will show if you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet!

Seriously, we’re not just making it up. The science is all there to back us up!

Not only is a poor diet bad for your body, but research shows that what you eat determines how you feel. Not eating regularly can make you feel tired and cause mood swings. Being dehydrated causes low energy and poor concentration. Too much sugar and processed food can lead to irritability.

If you’re eating poorly, you’re probably not feeling great, which won’t help you achieve your athletic goals — or the success you want for yourself!

“All success begins with self-discipline. It starts with you.” – Dwayne Johnson

Here are 3 things to avoid eating:

1. Sugar

This one is a no-brainer; we don’t think anybody thinks sugar is good for you. Surprise, it isn’t! Studies show that sugar can cause inflammation in the body and the brain. This inflammation is often linked to symptoms of anxiety and depression.

2. Refined starches

White bread, rice, and crackers can seriously impact your emotions! Eating too much of these refined starches causes your blood sugar to spike. High blood sugar = bad mood! You’ll end up feeling irritable, anxious, and tired. None of which is what an athlete needs to be feeling!

3. Processed or fried foods

Again, this one kind of feels obvious! Everyone should know by now that processed foods just aren’t good for you, and that goes for your mind too. Processed and fried foods are likely to be higher in sugar and sodium, which means increased risks of depression and anxiety and an overall crappy mood for you!

What Does Healthy Eating Look Like

Healthy eating mostly comes down to common sense. Most foods you should avoid are referred to by most as “guilty pleasures,” and they’re “guilty” for a reason — moderation is key. But for a long-term change to your eating habits, it can be difficult to let your favourite sweet go! Here are three tips to get started!

1. Incorporate more nutritious foods like protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The healthier the food, the better you’ll feel; inside and out!

2. Be mindful of what you eat and why you eat it. By thinking about what, why, when, where, and how much you’re eating, you can become more aware of your eating habits and identify what parts of your diet need improvement.

3. Eat with others! Eating with others can make meals even more beneficial to your mental health. Enjoy some quality time while exploring new healthy foods and traditions!Changing your eating habits might seem difficult at first — but the payoff can be huge. Take more control over your moods and mental health with foods that bring your body joy!

Changing your eating habits might seem difficult at first — but the payoff can be huge. Take more control over your moods and mental health with foods that bring your body joy!

“Once you believe in yourself, and you put your mind to something, you can do it.” – Simone Biles