How your food affects your mood

What comes first, depression, anxiety, or poor eating? The Western diet is typically composed of refined grains, processed foods, conventionally raised animal products, and sugar in all forms. Multiple studies have shown correlation between these foods and increased risk of depression. Over 18% of the population of Americans are diagnosed with anxiety disorder every year, and the rate is increasing by 13% annually. This is no small issue.

It seems that every other day I find myself talking to another mother concerned for her child’s mental health. Schools, gyms, and even popular clothing brands like Mad Happy are sparking the mental health conversation. We are starting to see the effects of eating chips on the couch all day and the results aren’t pretty. Poor nutrition leads to fatigue, which leads to depression, and the cycle continues.

If we know our food directly affects our mood, why do we eat so poorly? Maybe we are hooked on the taste, the convenience, or simply we don’t know how to cook. Whatever the case may be, a few simple changes can greatly affect our wellbeing. When we Eat In, we take control of our health.