Are You Eating Foods that may Cause Low Moods? Find Out....

food happiness Mar 01, 2023
 

First, let's talk about foods high in added sugar. Consuming excessive amounts of added sugar can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash that can lead to feelings of irritability, fatigue, and even depression. High sugar foods include, but are not limited to, candies, cookies, and soft drinks.

Another food group to be aware of is foods high in saturated fats. These foods can lead to inflammation in the body, which can contribute to low moods and other mental health issues. Examples of high saturated fats foods are red meats, butter, cheese, and fried foods.

Caffeinated beverages, especially those that are also high in sugar, such as so-called energy drinks, can also lead to low moods. Caffeine can cause feelings of anxiety and restlessness, and the added sugar can lead to a crash in blood sugar levels.

Finally, excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to low moods. While moderate alcohol consumption can have some health benefits, excessive drinking can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

It's worth noting that these foods should be consumed in moderation, and not completely avoided, as they can be part of a balanced diet. However, if you suspect that certain foods may be contributing to low moods or other mental health issues, it may be worth keeping a food diary to track your intake and make adjustments as needed.

In conclusion, it's important to be aware of the foods that may cause low moods and to make informed choices about what we eat. Remember, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can improve not only our physical well-being but also our mental well-being.

Now, let's talk about how you can develop a strategy to limit your intake of these problem foods.

First, start by identifying which foods may be causing low moods or other issues for you. Keeping a food diary can be helpful in this regard, as it will allow you to track your food intake and identify any patterns that may be contributing to low moods.

Once you have identified the problem foods, make a plan to limit your intake of them. This could mean cutting back on portion sizes, replacing them with healthier alternatives, or simply avoiding them altogether.

For example, if you find that sugary drinks are causing low moods, try switching to water or unsweetened tea or coffee. If you find that saturated fats are causing problems, try incorporating more lean protein and plant-based foods into your diet.

It's also important to note that it's not just what you eat, but also when you eat that can affect your mood. Eating regular, balanced meals throughout the day can help keep blood sugar levels stable and prevent feelings of irritability and fatigue.

Finally, it's important to remember that change takes time and it's not always easy. Be kind to yourself and don't be discouraged if you slip up. The important thing is to keep trying and to make small changes that are sustainable in the long term.

In summary, the foods that may cause low moods include foods high in added sugar, foods high in saturated fats, caffeinated beverages, and excessive alcohol. To limit your intake of these problem foods, identify the foods that may be causing low moods, make a plan to limit your intake, and keep track of your progress. Remember, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can improve not only our physical well-being but also our mental well-being.

 

A Special Note On Food Intolerances: Food allergies/sensitivities can be responsible for a range of mental and physical symptoms such as mood swings, depression, inability to concentrate, chronic exhaustion, and a host of minor ailments from itches and rashes to digestive and respiratory problems. \

The categories of foods that tend to cause the most problems are gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, sweeteners, and soy products.


If you suspect you may be allergic to certain foods, you can be clinically tested (which is expensive and frequently inaccurate) or experiment with eliminating the suspected culprit from your diet and monitoring the results (either by yourself or with the guidance of a nutrition professional).

 

 Braco Pobric is an Internationally Recognized Positive Psychology Expert, Executive Coach, and Corporate Trainer. He is the bestselling author of Habits and Happiness: How to Become Happier and Improve Your Wellbeing by Changing Your Habits. Braco is a founding member and Chief Happiness Officer of the Life Success Academy, Certified Positive Psychology Master Coach and Trainer, and former globally Certified Trainer and Business Coach for Dale Carnegie Training. His unique approach to integrated learning in Positive Psychology Coaching (PPMC) program let him train over 60,000 Students in 172 countries.

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