Nourishing the Mind: Eating Habits to Improve Mental Well-being

Many stock phrases about food focus on diets, calories, and macronutrients. Mindful eating, however, refers to something completely different. This term encourages people to focus on the processes and sensations of eating more than the food itself. The approach suggests people should remove distractions and be fully present when eating to experience more satisfaction, and many experts agree that a mindful eating approach yields many benefits.

Often, people choose more nutritious foods, feel more satisfied, and some even lose weight. While these are all beneficial, mindful eating also boosts mental health. People who engage in regular mindful eating report reduced stress levels and improved emotional regulation throughout the day.

Mindful eating doesn't take any special tools to start, but it can take some time to adjust to the practice. Many people eat while multi-tasking, whether it's scrolling on phones or watching their favorite shows. Research finds this isn't a helpful practice, and mindful eating encourages people to put down the screens to focus solely on the experience of eating. For some, choosing one meal per day to practice the new habit makes the change manageable, while others prefer going cold turkey with the distractions.

Experts say chewing slowly and thoroughly while focusing on the flavors, textures, and smells helps keep the brain engaged. The most important aspect—of mindful eating is a judgment-free zone. Don't focus on the nutritional value of the food, but simply hone in on the joy of eating.

While mindful eating isn't about food choices, studies suggest that it may lead to a healthier diet. As people engage in mindful eating, they become aware of the food-body connection. They gain a deeper understanding of what foods bring them joy and which foods make their bodies feel good.

Dieticians suggest that this deeper connection with food correlates with healthier choices, and research supports that idea—one study found that both men and women ate more fruits and vegetables when they engaged in intuitive eating.

Irregular meal patterns are correlated with productivity loss, mental health struggles, and insomnia. Research also suggests that skipping breakfast and late-night snacking contribute to the development of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. With results demonstrating negative outcomes associated with irregular meal patterns, it seems prudent to stick to a mindful eating schedule.

Irregular meal patterns wreak havoc on blood sugar levels, causing crashes and spikes that trigger mood swings and irritable behavior, so experts recommend consuming six small meals spread evenly throughout the day to maintain proper glucose levels.

A predictable eating schedule sets the mind and body up for success. So, what is the best meal schedule for someone who wants to support their mental health?

Experts recommend a consistent eating schedule of six small meals that fall within a regular 12-hour window. People should consume most of their daily calories in the first half of that time period. Research also suggests that food intake should be avoided close to bedtime and very early morning, as melatonin levels are at their peak during this time. These meal patterns, coupled with mindful eating practices, not only help mental health, but they may also reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Many research studies support both mindful eating and predictable eating patterns for mental health. One study found that regular mealtimes within a 12-hour window improved physical and psychological health in adults.

Research also suggests that slowing down for meals at predictable intervals reduces stress and anxiety in adult women. Mental health plays an important role in digestive health—experts warn that excessive stress can alter microbiota within the gut, causing multiple digestive issues. Regular eating patterns offer an easy way to support mental and physical wellness.

Millennials receive a lot of teasing for the large water bottles they're often seen with, but they may have the right idea. Hydration plays a key role in neurological functioning, including mood regulation and cognition. Proper hydration boosts mental health in all age groups, and some research suggests it may help regulate mood swings.

Conversely, dehydration affects recall and psychomotor skills and may even affect the ability to pay attention to subjective ideas. Shockingly, even a person who is only slightly dehydrated may experience these mental declines.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends adult men consume 15.5 cups of fluid per day. The recommendation for women is similar at 11.5 cups of fluid to maintain optimal hydration. However, this amount doesn't need to come only from water. Juicy fruits such as watermelon and citrus are a great way to boost hydration, as are brothy soups and fresh vegetables. For people who don't enjoy the taste of plain water, a sugar-free mix or a squeeze of lemon juice often makes the beverage more palatable.

It's important to be familiar with the signs of dehydration. Mild dehydration often causes minor headaches, a strong thirst, and dark yellow urine. At this point, medical intervention is unnecessary, and a tall glass of water quickly remedies the situation.

As dehydration progresses, a person may experience mental confusion or lightheadedness, accompanied by an extremely dry mouth. Other symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration include an inability to urinate, tiredness, and sunken eyes. When these symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is required.

Diet and exercise complement each other when it comes to maintaining mental health. Physical activity can stave off depressive symptoms, improve anxiety, and combat chronic psychological conditions. However, it can be difficult to maintain an exercise regimen without proper nutritional support.

Food provides the fuel our bodies need to engage in regular exercise, and following a mindful eating philosophy coupled with regular eating patterns and adequate hydration gives the best chance for exercise success and improved mental health.

Engaging in regular physical exercise to improve mental health requires the right nutrition. Experts recommend a balance of lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates at every meal. This balance of foods stabilizes blood glucose levels and provides consistent energy for all types of exercise regimens, although those focusing on muscle building should add more protein to their plates.

Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins offer the most bang for their buck when it comes to mental health—a handful of walnuts or a sprinkle of flaxseeds offer a mental health boost in addition to their energizing properties.

A holistic approach to wellness offers well-rounded results for physical, mental, and emotional health. Balanced nutritional practices and physical activity play important roles in mental health, but traditional psychiatric services may be necessary in many cases, and this integrated approach to the whole person is gaining traction within the healthcare community.

Mindful eating, regular meal patterns, hydration, and physical activity play important roles in mental health but should not be replacements for professional psychiatric care if needed.