Food & Mood: How what you eat shapes your mental wellbeing
We all know that food fuels our body, but did you know it also fuels your mood, focus, and stress levels? The connection between what we eat and how we feel is undeniable. Yet, when life gets stressful, we often reach for the very foods that sabotage our mental wellbeing.
Why you should start noticing the Food-Mood connection:
- Your gut is your second brain – The gut produces 90% of the body’s serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter. Processed foods, sugar, and alcohol disrupt this delicate balance, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue.
- Blood sugar spikes = emotional rollercoaster – High-carb, sugary foods cause a surge in blood sugar, followed by a crash that triggers irritability, brain fog, and cravings, making you feel even worse than before.
- Stress drives cravings for comfort foods – When we’re overwhelmed, our brain craves quick energy (aka sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol). But these foods spike cortisol (the stress hormone), making us feel more anxious and exhausted in the long run.
The three worst offenders for your nervous system
• Sugar – Excess sugar fuels inflammation and leads to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression.
• Refined Carbs – White bread, pastries, and pasta cause rapid blood sugar crashes, leaving you feeling sluggish and mentally drained.
• Alcohol – While it may feel relaxing at first, alcohol disrupts sleep, dehydrates the brain, and increases anxiety the next day.
A five-minute strategy to break the cycle
Box Breathing (Do this two-three times a day, especially at work!)
- Inhale through your nose for four seconds
- Hold your breath for four seconds
- Exhale slowly for four seconds
- Hold your breath for four seconds
(Repeat three-five times)
This activates your parasympathetic nervous system, bringing you from stressed to calm in minutes.
Are You a Stress Eater?
Take the Stress Eater Personality Quiz to uncover what’s driving your cravings TAKE THE QUIZ
Download Katherine's guide on How to Stop the Endless Snacking Cycle & Finally Lose Weight LINK to the GUIDE. It aims to help people learn to manage cravings and start feeling in control again - explaining how to do healthy food swaps, plus time-saving low carb, high protein recipes for busy people.
Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and stuck in stress mode? You don’t have to do it alone. Book a FREE 30-minute Clarity Call and let’s explore how you can regain control, feel more confident, and boost your energy. Take the first step towards a calmer, healthier you. Book now! katherinefroggatt.co.nz/claritycall
