Food and Mood: How What We Eat Affects How We Feel
This “sunshine vitamin,” often gained from spending time outdoors or from fortified foods, helps regulate mood and ward off depression
What is Vitamin D
This juicy fruit is full of vitamin C and can brighten your day—just peel and eat!
What is an orange
Kids who skip this important meal are more likely to struggle with concentration and memory in school.
What is breakfast?
This mineral is commonly low in women and can cause fatigue, brain fog, and low mood.
What is iron?
True or false: You can only go to a food bank if your income is the national poverty level or below.
What is False. Many food pantries do not require proof of income. Sometimes, you register with a name, date of birth, gender, address, email, and number of family members. To register, you can go to the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank - Food Finder website, find a food pantry you wish to attend, and select "Book Now". Often, excess food goes to a Food Bank to be gifted before expiration. This reduces food waste in our community. Individuals who take advantage of free food resources are 1) helping to reduce community food waste, 2) saving money in their own pocket that could be used for other needs, and 3) reducing some financial burden (and reducing financial stress which improves financial well-being).
These healthy fats found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds support brain health and can help reduce anxiety and inflammation.
what is omega-3 fatty acids?
This yellow fruit is known to help your brain feel happy because it has vitamin B6.
What is a banana
Too much of this common ingredient in sodas, juices, and candy can lead to mood swings, energy crashes, and weight gain in kids
What is sugar
Drinking enough of this can help improve energy, reduce headaches, and support emotional balance.
What is water?
This local organization distributes healthy foods and some goods to local food banks.
What is the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank. You can go to their website, www.akroncantonfoodbank.org/find-help, and list a zip code and mile radius to find a list of upcoming food banks. Some of the food they give out otherwise would go to waste (fresh produce not accepted by grocers, for example), so it is a nice way to get free food while also preventing wastefulness.
This important mineral, found in leafy greens and beans, helps your body produce serotonin — the “feel-good” brain chemical. Low levels can lead to fatigue and irritability
what is folate (or folic acid)?
This creamy nut spread tastes great on bread and gives you energy to feel good.
What is peanutbutter
These colorful foods—like berries, spinach, and carrots—are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that are essential to healthy development
What are fruits and vegetables?
These types of meals—fast, convenient, and often high in sugar—can give short-term energy but worsen tiredness and stress later.
What are highly processed foods or fast foods?
A few cool resources I founds are:
1) American Diabetes Association
2) American Heart Association