Mentor High Mental Health Fair: Food & Mood

Last Monday, March 25th, I had the pleasure of participating in the Mental Health Fair at Mentor High School. At my table, I educated students and parents on food and how it affects your mood. I also guided participants through an intuitive/mindful eating exercise with dark chocolate - learning to slow down and enjoy the entire experience of eating, closely listening to our satisfactory cues. 

There is a very strong connection between the food we eat and our mood. Our daily food choices can change the signaling of the neurotransmitters in our brain (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine), impacting our mood and how we feel. That's why it's so important to lead a nutritious lifestyle!

In regards to athletics, if you feel well, you're more likely to excel in practice and on your performance stage. Below I've shared a few of the vital nutrients that can positively impact our mood:

1. Complex Carbohydrates: our primary energy source; produces a sense of calmness
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: key players in overall health and brain functioning; reduce inflammation/oxidative stress improving brain signaling to the rest of the body
3. Vitamin C: immune supporter; antioxidant properties boot energy levels and can minimize mood changes
4. Vitamin D: vital role in bone health, immunity and mood; shown to ease depressive symptoms
5. Calcium: vital role in bone health and mood; shown to reduce anxiety-like symptoms, irritability and improve sleep
6. Iron: vital role in carrying oxygenated blood throughout the body; fights off fatigue, irritability and mood swings

Notice how the nutrients above are also key players in accelerating recovery between practices/games and injury as well as preventing future injury! Leading a well balanced nutritious lifestyle is so important in many regards!

Healthy Regards, 
Jessica G. Anderson, MS, RD, LD, ACSM EP-C
​#FuelForTheGOLD