[ H E A LT H Y E AT I N G ]
FOOD AND MOOD IN TIMES OF CRISIS by Betsy Bruns
18
We all may be experiencing the pandemic in different ways. Some may feel more fear, either of the virus or about their financial future, while others may feel grateful to have better quality time with family and more time at home. There are many aspects of life we can’t control but focusing on what we can control, will have a positive impact on our sense of wellbeing as we navigate uncertain times.
feelings. It seems that many of us are seeking to regulate our mood with food.
You may have heard of (or even be experiencing) a phenomenon called “the lockdown 15.” These are the pounds people are gaining from quarantine stress munching and a true example of eating one’s
Food is not just calories and carbohydrates; it has great power to harm and great power to heal. During the pandemic, I have been therapeutically turning to food. Each day, I aim to eat
| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE JUNE 2020
At age 16, I narrowly survived a suicide attempt after years of anxiety and depression. Overweight and overloaded with toxins, processed foods and chemicals, my body was starving for healing foods and mood regulators found in whole plant foods. What I did not know back then is that I was overfed and undernourished.
seven servings of fruits and vegetables. I also avoid all animal foods and limit overly processed foods as much as possible. I credit my diet with regulating my mood and overall sense of wellbeing. Good nutrition can be a great line of defense against the anxiety and stress we may be feeling. When it comes to diet and mood, studies point to both the benefits of fruits and vegetables and the harmful effects of animal foods. Research links depression to inflammation in the brain and chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters. Plant foods are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which help to
