Eating For Health

How does the food you eat affect how you are feeling?   Most of us have seen kids eat a lot of sweets and then have a “sugar high”.   Yet, eating foods high in added sugar can affect adults also.   How does your day-to-day diet affect how you feel?   Are their foods that promote a better mood, better mental health?   Are there foods that do just the opposite and adversely affect your mental health?  Psychology Today has an interesting article, The Foods We Eat Do Affect Our Mental Health.   Here’s the Proof .   Students in my classes often ask if what you eat affects your mood.   And the evidence now suggests, “yes” – the foods you eat do affect your mood and your mental health.   Why?   Because your brain needs nutrients to function.    What are some foods and nutrients that promote good mental health? Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein are foods to focus on to improve your mental health.   These ...

Can you walk your way to better health?   Is taking your dog for a walk every day good for your health? Walking for Heart Health According to an article in NPR, even moderate-intensity walking can be as effective as running in terms of reducing one’s risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.   So many people think exercise has to be going to the gym, jogging, participating in a sport like basketball.   All these are great activities but going for a walk also has health benefits. The American Heart Association notes, “walking is one of the simplest ways to get active and stay active”.   The organization recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise like walking.   But it doesn’t have to be done all at once.   No time for a long walk, then “even 10-minute activity sessions can be added up over the week”.   The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition has some suggestions for adding more steps to you...