The practice
Have you thought about what you're eating as key to feeling better? No amount of psychotherapy, coaching, support or understanding will help you if the problem you're having is actually caused by something physical. Adequate exercise, enough sleep, and a decently balanced diet are all key to a good mood.
I can't tell you exactly what to eat, because I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist, and because what's right varies from person to person. But I can tell you that brain health--and hence mood--depends partly on what you consume. If you start the day with coffee and starch, and continue with sugar and other things that hype you (caffeine, sodas, candy, starchy snacks), the chances are you will not feel stable, grounded, happy or calm. Many of us start the day that way, and then keep boosting our intake of sugar and coffee whenever we feel a slump. So easy to do, and so unhelpful.
Your granny was right: you need to eat properly. Enough protein, enough green vegetables, enough calories, enough vitamins. You probably know what to have in the fridge, but if you're in doubt about what to eat, consult a nutritionist. Fad diets are ten a penny, so watch out for bogus advice on the internet. Also remember, you don't need to spend lots of money, or spend all your time in the kitchen, to eat well.
The theory
Eating an unbalanced diet, especially one high in stimulants like sugars and caffeine (and low in nourishment) can get you on a sugar/insulin roller coaster that promotes mood swings, bouts of gloom, fatigue, and irritability. In order to produce the neuro-transmitters (brain chemicals) you need, your body needs the right nutrients--the ones you get from a good, balanced diet.
The result
The result of eating well is quite simply that you'll optimise your chances of feeling alert, calm, and present. You may reduce your anxiety, and you may improve your mood.
Have you thought about what you're eating as key to feeling better? No amount of psychotherapy, coaching, support or understanding will help you if the problem you're having is actually caused by something physical. Adequate exercise, enough sleep, and a decently balanced diet are all key to a good mood.
I can't tell you exactly what to eat, because I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist, and because what's right varies from person to person. But I can tell you that brain health--and hence mood--depends partly on what you consume. If you start the day with coffee and starch, and continue with sugar and other things that hype you (caffeine, sodas, candy, starchy snacks), the chances are you will not feel stable, grounded, happy or calm. Many of us start the day that way, and then keep boosting our intake of sugar and coffee whenever we feel a slump. So easy to do, and so unhelpful.
Your granny was right: you need to eat properly. Enough protein, enough green vegetables, enough calories, enough vitamins. You probably know what to have in the fridge, but if you're in doubt about what to eat, consult a nutritionist. Fad diets are ten a penny, so watch out for bogus advice on the internet. Also remember, you don't need to spend lots of money, or spend all your time in the kitchen, to eat well.
The theory
Eating an unbalanced diet, especially one high in stimulants like sugars and caffeine (and low in nourishment) can get you on a sugar/insulin roller coaster that promotes mood swings, bouts of gloom, fatigue, and irritability. In order to produce the neuro-transmitters (brain chemicals) you need, your body needs the right nutrients--the ones you get from a good, balanced diet.
The result
The result of eating well is quite simply that you'll optimise your chances of feeling alert, calm, and present. You may reduce your anxiety, and you may improve your mood.
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