How to Improve Your Mood By Changing What You Eat

 

Has the stress and fear of COVID-19 made you eat pints of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream while lounging in your pajamas and binge-watching Netflix? Have you experienced mood swings? If so, you’re not alone.

 

A recent Gallup survey reported only 14% of adults in the United States were exercising regularly while 38% said being physically active was not a priority. In addition, 13% of Americans were eating healthier while staying at home compared to the 28% who said they lacked self-control when they ate.

 

When we are less physically active and feeding our bodies with foods that lack the nutrients we need, our mood tends to swing from happy to sad, calm to anxious, peaceful to irritable, and more. Comfort foods are deceiving because that satisfying feeling is only short-term and before we know it, we’re feeling sluggish and moody.

 

The abrupt changes in our lives, due to the pandemic, has thrown all of us into a tailspin. Some of us have lost our job while others are trying to manage to work at home and taking care of children at the same time.

 

The Community Foundation of Morgan County (CFMC) recognizes that everyone is fighting a new battle on the home front and in our community. For individuals and families having a difficult time buying groceries, we know food security is a real problem, especially now. That’s why we established the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide grants to local food pantries helping our at-risk residents.

 

The good news is that all of us can get out of that tailspin of eating and feeling poorly by doing the following:

 

·         Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps us concentrate better, improves blood flow, and can actually calm our nerves.

·         Don’t skip breakfast. Start the day by eating foods with protein and fiber, such as eggs or vegetables. Our bodies require a source of fuel that gives us the energy to move and think.

·         Be smart about snacking. Your body, mind, and mood will greatly benefit when you choose a handful of nuts, a cheese stick, or fresh fruit and veggies.

·         Resist the temptation to binge eat or binge-watch television. Our bodies were created for activity, whether it’s taking a walk outside, playing with our children, or cleaning the house.

 

We owe it to ourselves, family, friends, and community to do our best when it comes to our physical and mental health.

 

For individuals and families who can’t always take care of themselves, CFMC has identified a real solution for rural access to healthier foods by funding IU Health Morgan’s plant-based nutrition program at local food pantries. When it’s safe to do so, there will be dietary staff teaching pantry volunteers on how to provide healthier options, education, and cooking tools to the people they serve. You can be a part of the solution by donating at www.cfmconline.org. Give today and help change lives tomorrow.