We are what we eat.

The role of nutrition in mental health.

We are what we eat. You’ve all heard that expression. Well, it’s not always a phrase I want to hear, but the role of nutrition in mental health is very real. What we put in our bodies has a HUGE impact on how we feel.

I have always generally treated my body like garbage, especially when it comes to nutrition. When I was 22, I could live off cheeseburgers and curly fries. 10 years later, my nutritional needs have changed quite a bit. Add in the energy it takes to chase down a toddler, we’re talking major adjustments.

As mamas, we need to make sure we are fueling our bodies with what we need. Hell, we have to just to keep up. Grease and carbs won’t always get us through the day, and it’s very hard to keep up with a crazy kid when we are running on empty.

The food pyramid for gut health:

• Nuts, Fats, and Oils
• Whole Grains
• Legumes
• Fruits
• Fresh, Cooked and Fermented Vegetables

Since we are what we eat, it’s important to take a look at the kinds of foods that we are putting into our bodies. It’s not easy to get the perfect nutrition from food alone, but making simple changes to our diets can make a big impact on the way that we feel.

Balancing fruits and veggies with protein and healthy fats is key. A health coach once told me, “if it comes from the earth or has a mother, it’s fair game.” I love that statement. It’s a great way to look at nutrition overall. By focusing on natural sources of energy, we can make a big impact on our mental health.

Let’s Talk about Supplements.

It is extremely difficult to get all the nutrition that we need from food alone, especially if you live off grab and go snacks like we do in our house. Insert supplements. Click here to take a mental wellness assessment to get FREE recommendations for supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle for optimum gut health.

My health was in the toilet for a long time, and once I started using targeted supplements and making lifestyle changes, I have a whole new outlook on life. I have energy that I haven’t had in years. My body is no longer in survival mode. Supplements are not necessary for overall health and wellness, but they have changed my life.

Specific strains of probiotics like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium Longum have been associated to reduce anxiety and depression. Things like corn grass can have a huge impact on the quality of sleep we experience. Magnesium & Omegas are also key nutrients for optimizing mental health. We are what we eat, but supplements can help optimize that balance.

If you consider taking supplements, do your homework. There are a lot of amazing products out there, but there is also some junk on the market. You definitely don’t want to end up throwing your money away.

What else can we do?

Besides supplements, I’m trying to build a healthier lifestyle for myself one step at a time. I’m paying more attention to what I’m using to fuel my body, and it has drastically improved my digestive health, as well as my energy levels.

Dairy and gluten are know for their role in our bodies inflammatory process. By limiting my intake of dairy and gluten, I have noticed a drastic difference in my overall health.

I’m not saying you need to do anything drastic here, but mama, your body deserves to be taken care of. We are what we eat, so eat at a vegetable every now and then. Eat the bacon cheese fries, but do so in moderation.

We need to be as healthy as possible to maintain the strength it takes to keep up with our little heathens!