5 Healthier and Happier Choices

Choosing to take care of your mental and physical health can take a lot of work. While this work is definitely important, it can also feel overwhelming. However, difficult doesn’t mean impossible and realising that self-care is a multi-step journey is one way to make the burden easier.

We’ve written about this previously in our article ‘4 Small Changes That Will Improve Your Health & Wellness’. Working on small changes can make bigger changes feel easier, and help you cultivate better habits. Today, we’ll take a look at a few more small changes you can make for a healthier, happier you— focusing this time on diet.

Pick ‘Smart’ Carbs

Diet has a big role to play in our mental health and wellbeing. Choosing to maximize what you eat and focus on ‘smart’ carbs is one way that you can boost your serotonin levels, leaving you satisfied both body and mind.

York Region Psychological Services suggests picking healthier carbohydrate options like whole grains, as well as fruits, vegetables, and legumes. While these won’t “fix” your mental health, they’re a great and simple way to give you an added boost.

Pick Your Snacks

Many people use food as a pick-me-up. While this does have its benefits, it can be difficult to unlearn unhealthy snacking habits. Some people may try to cut out snacking all together, but that’s easier said than done, and failing to stop snacking may make you feel even worse about yourself.

Instead of trying to stop it altogether, try redirecting your attention to healthier snack alternatives. Brightcore recommends ACV gummies, which not only taste delicious but also help alkalize your body and promote healthier digestion. Plus, they are easy to carry around and can serve as a healthy booster when you need it.

Simpler Is Better

Eating healthier can seem pretty daunting, especially if you’re used to quick solutions like fast food. One way to get around this, however, is to think of healthier eating as simpler eating. The key to putting together a healthy meal lies not in skill level, but in ingredients.

When it comes to simpler diets, there’s nothing better than the Mediterranean diet. 85% of studies support the Mediterranean diet’s use as part of the holistic treatment for depression. Fresh greens, seafood, nuts, and extra virgin olive oil are all simple but necessary ingredients that can help you eat healthier and feel much better. The recipes are simple and healthy and can benefit both your body and mind in the long run.

Bump Up the Protein

Protein performs a variety of functions in the body, including maintaining and strengthening our muscles and bones. Another thing it can do is improve your feeling of alertness and wellbeing, which can be especially important if you’re in the middle of or recovering from a depressive slump.

Psychology Today states that eating protein raises amino acid levels, which in turn prompt the brain to produce chemicals like dopamine. Dopamine is essential for improving mood and alertness. Treating yourself to some lean meats or plant-based proteins are one way to boost your mood. And you don’t even have to eat that much of it— two to three small servings of protein are enough to make a difference. If you want to try something new, consider trying Cellucor’s protein ice cream recipe.

Selenium for Serenity

Selenium isn’t a mineral you hear about often, but it can play an important role in helping you feel better and manage your depressive symptoms. A study by the University of Otago found that there’s a link between low levels of selenium and the severity of depressive symptoms.

Eating foods rich in selenium can help reduce feelings of anxiety and improve your mood. You can find selenium in foods like whole grains, seafood, organ meats like liver, and Brazil nuts. Supplementation under the advice of your GP is also one way to get more selenium in your diet.

While recovering from a depressive slump can involve a number of factors, including a strong social support system and, in some cases, professional therapy, diet can also play an important role.

Eating healthier is necessary not just for keeping your body healthy, but can play a role in managing your mental and emotional wellbeing as well. A balanced diet and regular meals are simple but effective ways to feel better and boost your health and wellness.

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