Ever get a bit agitated when you’ve not eaten in a while? Or feel a little lethargic following a big feast? Well, that’s completely normal. Food affects your mood. In other words, what and how you eat (or don’t), can impact how you feel.
Food is our main source of energy. We need this energy to keep our brains and bodies active, keep our internal organs functioning, rest and recover, and, ironically, to metabolise food. Some of this energy can be broken down and used straight away, other bits will be stored away and reserved for later, or converted for other uses.
If we don’t have enough food for the demands of an active day or challenging work, our blood sugar (or energy) levels decrease, which can trigger the release of hormones. These hormones include cortisol (the stress hormone) and adrenaline (the fight or flight hormone). Combined, these hormones can cause our response to be restless, and often unproductive as a result.
On the flip side, eating lots and lots in one sitting, particularly heavy foods, can also leave us feeling low energy. This is because the energy required to chew, digest and hold large quantities can take over our energy needs from other tasks we have to complete like studying or sports.
Even if the amount of food you’re eating is spot on for your activity and recovery needs, the type of food and how you’re eating it can still impact how you feel. Green vegetables, fatty fish and berries are some examples of “brainpower foods” that can help boost alertness. Meanwhile, slow-releasing sugars from wholemeal options (bread, pasta, rice), fresh fruit and veg like oranges and sweet potato amongst other sources, can help sustain our energy levels over longer periods. This helps avoid crashes in energy we might experience when eating quicker-releasing sugars we get from sweets, energy drinks and white bread, pasta and rice.
So, what can you do to improve your mood with food? Having a healthy and balanced diet is key, we all probably know that already. But also considering how you eat is very important too. Taking your time to chew and digest meals and snacks is really valuable, as is thinking about options you enjoy that might be more suitable for your energy needs.
Next time the bell rings for lunch, or you get into school early for breakfast, take a moment to consider all the options presented before you. Our school Catering Team do a fantastic job of providing a range of nutritious and delicious options each day across the different counters. Which options will meet your energy needs? How might your decisions bring good balance to your week of eating? What might keep your mood lifted throughout the school day, not just for the next half hour or so?
Healthy habits with food result in a happy mood, it’s just about finding the habits that work for you and your needs.
Speak to Mr Samra if you would like to discuss any of this further: samra.bs@nottinghamhigh.co.uk
