Food and Mood; Together, They're Important

Many athletes are use and rely on nutritional supplements to drive their sports performance.

In this post I will share information from US News: Health, which is a reliable site and organization because of its knowledgeable authors, videos, and articles that inform readers about health concerns they may have. I will specifically discuss, “Food and Mood: 6 Ways Your Diet Affects How You Feel.”

http://www.moodandrecovery.co.uk/

Does your diet and food intake really matter when it comes to your mood?

Yes, your diet does matter! According to, Food and Mood: 6 Ways Your Diet Affects How You Feel,  “What you eat can lift or lower your spirits.” Dietary changes can trigger chemical and physiological changes within your brain that alter your behavior and emotions. The link between what you eat and the energy and effect it has on your mood is significant.

What happens when you skip meals?

Not to mention the physical effects of skipping meals, the mental and emotional effects themselves are remarkable. Food is our fuel. It gives us energy and sustains us throughout the day. After skipping a meal, we feel tired, drowsy, sometimes cranky. If we choose not to eat, we’re more prone to cravings later in the day and weight gain. Most people know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that can be very accurate! Breakfast sets up our energy and mood for the entire day.

What types of foods help in putting us in a good mood?

Omega-3s improve both memory and mood. They’re found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines and omega-3-fortified in margarine, peanut butter, and granola bars. Research suggests that low omega-3 levels are associated with depression, pessimism, and impulsivity. Scientists have also found that insufficient thiamine can cause "introversion, inactivity, fatigue, decreased self-confidence, and a poorer mood," according to a recent report published in the Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science.This is the same for insufficient iron levels. Neglecting important nutrients is highly frowned upon when trying to be in a good mood, feeling great, and maintaining low stress levels!

Future Research:
I will be looking to answer questions about how far athletes are willing to take their strict dietary and exercise plans in order to fufill competitive requirements.