Effects of Diet on Mental Health

Fall and winter may seem like the perfect time to over-indulge in your favourite comfort foods. While longer nights and colder weather may have you craving more simple carbohydrates like chips and chocolate, research shows that diet can actually affect our moods, feelings, and cognitive functions.

Alcohol and caffeine, for example, are stimulants known to impair your mental health if ingested in excess. Furthermore, refined sugar and processed foods can leave you not only feeling depressed and anxious, but can also have a negative impact on your memory and brain function.

There's good news — you can help boost your mental health through your diet by eating lean proteins, whole grains, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Some tips to help include more of these foods involve meal planning your food for the week, ensuring to incorporate healthy food, drinking lots of water, and consuming alcohol and caffeine in moderation. Remember, when you eat better, you feel better!