We have long been aware that a junk-filled diet is linked to poor physical health: lethargy, malnutrition and weight gain, which has recently been in the headlines, particularly with the current controversial advertising campaign from Cancer Research UK urging our nation to tackle childhood obesity. In more recent years we have become increasingly aware that a diet loaded with sugar, fat and processed foods has been linked to poor mental health. Anyone who has experienced a decline in mental health will know that it can be as debilitating as a decline in physical health - and often there is a link between the two.
Depression is one of the most disabling disorders in the EU*
A decline in physical wellbeing can result in increased anxiety and depression, the reverse is also true, increased stress, anxiety or depression can impact upon the physical symptoms of illness through increased pain, discomfort and exacerbation of symptomology.
Our food choices can be linked to our mood
We can tend to choose different foods at different times in our lives. When we are stressed and under pressure, we may default to ‘quick-fix-food’, which may be take-out or processed meals, high in sugars and salt. During calmer periods in our lives we might make more reasoned ‘health-related’ choices, and often this results in a healthier intake of food. To add to the problem, we are not always aware of the choices we make, particularly in times of stress.
Recently a client spoke to me about her difficulties with weight loss and her relationship with food, explaining that after a hard day at work she ‘rewarded’ herself with a chocolate bar, an extra slice of cake, or perhaps a glass or three of wine…all of which are fine in moderation, but not so good when the body can become reliant on them, or at least her subconscious can 'fool' her into feeling she was becoming reliant upon them. She genuinely felt that her body ‘required’ the sweet-treat as a reward after working hard, and was struggling to get herself out of the habit. This meant that weight loss was feeling like an uphill battle, which was impacting on her overall feeling of wellbeing and so the cycle continued…
Sounding familiar? Hypnotherapy can help, but you can also help yourself...
Of course, this story is that of a client who has chosen to use hypnotherapy as a way to tackle her difficulties, both with breaking her habit of a ‘go-to’ sweet treat, and with her overall goal of weight loss. But there are other things that can be done too, which can help you help yourself:
- Switch up your diet to regularly include foods which are thought to reduce inflammation such as those rich in omega three like fatty fish (salmon for instance).
- Add in probiotic foods, higher fibre whole grains and vegetables - foods that we typically think of as healthier options. Increasing your intake of these is likely to improve both your physical and mental wellbeing, keeping you feeling fuller and energised through the day.
- Monitor your alcohol intake - and note your drinking habits, this is particularly important if drinking becomes related to a ‘hard day at work’ or stress as opposed to a treat. Aim for less than 14 units a week (a standard pint of beer/glass of wine is approximately 2 units**) and if you have had a stressful day at work - find another way of releasing the tension - exercise or meditation are both ways which clients of mine use successfully.
- Monitor and moderate your 'sweet treats' and consider other, alternate 'rewards' after a hard day.
So, when you are sitting down this evening and have 5 minutes to yourself, think about what small changes you can make to your diet which will positively impact upon your mental health.
If you want help in reducing and managing stress and anxiety in your life, or maybe help with understanding why ‘breaking a habit’ (such as reaching for the ‘sweet treat') can take time and effort, then call me for a no obligation chat or an initial consultation.
* Mood Food: Preventing depression through food
** Eating for mental health
*** Photography from www.nickchurchphotography.co.uk
