Destressing Strategy: Healthy Eating

• Consuming a healthy diet has been proven to boost brain proteins and connections between brain cells. In other words, eating nutritious foods can make us smarter!*

• Eating healthy foods feeds the good bacteria in our gut while consuming junk food does the opposite. What’s good bacteria? These are the organisms that live along our intestines (totally normal - and very important!). They digest food, reduce inflammation, and play key roles in how we feel all day long.

• The digestion of healthy foods can increase serotonin levels - serotonin is one of the hormones that make us feel good and levels-out our moods. Definitely want lots of that!

• Eating whole grains, lean proteins and lots of fruits and veggies has been shown to improve our moods and decrease feelings of depression.**

All foods can fit into a balanced diet and you don't need to cut out the junk food completely. However, it is important to make sure you are eating enough of all three food groups: protein (meat/poultry/fish, soy, legumes, nuts, seeds), carbohydrates ( beans, rice/grains, many fruits and vegetables), and fat (olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado). By eating whole foods, your mind and body have the nutrients they need to stay strong.

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