Eating is complex and closely linked to emotions, human connections, and the pleasure that food brings us. It is therefore important to explore what lies between our plate and our mental health!
When eating affects our mental health for the better
Eating is not just about consuming food! It can be a source of pleasure, of good times with loved ones, a way to celebrate one’s culture or to discover new ones.
When we see food as something positive and as a source of new experiences, our mental health is improved. Eating what we like and what gives us pleasure can also positively affect our mental health.
When eating comes at the expense of our mental health
On the other hand, eating can be a source of preoccupation, which over time can negatively affect our mental health. Eating can become a chore, or even a source of guilt.
This often happens to people who restrict many foods, for fear of losing control or for many other reasons. Over time, this can lead to food frustration and negatively affect our mental health. Over time, this can lead to food frustration and negatively affect our mental health.
Stress and food
The effects of stress vary greatly from one person to another, but it is generally to the detriment of our mental health. This is why we can sometimes observe weight loss and altered mental health in people who are really stressed. On the other hand, an episode of stress can lead to increased food intake.
On the other hand, an episode of stress can lead to increased food intake. That’s why we sometimes crave a glass of wine or comfort food after a long and stressful day.
Are there foods that make us happier?
We sometimes hear that certain foods can have direct beneficial effects on our mental health. However, what is often overlooked is that you would have to eat a ton of the food in question to get a slight benefit.
To date, very few foods can claim to have a direct effect on our psychological state. Thriving mental health is associated with several factors and food alone cannot be held responsible, as eating goes beyond the nutrients we consume!
What about emotional eating?
There is nothing wrong with comforting ourselves with the foods we love. It is part of a healthy relationship with food, without guilt. However, it should not be the only way we deal with our emotions.
Eating for comfort can be accompanied by various other means to help us manage our emotions adequately on a daily basis: going outside, doing an activity that we enjoy, talking to loved ones or a professional, etc. The important thing is to listen to ourselves and to give ourselves several means to achieve this.
This article was written by the nutritionists and dietitians of TeamNutrition. Their team offers nutrition counseling online and in over 80 offices across Canada.
To learn more about food and mental health, visit their KoalaPro Premium online portal or book an appointment with a dietitian.