My City May 2023

MYHEALTH

alertness, improved concentration and better mood. Thus, while it’s import ant to be mindful when consuming these beverages, some amounts can be beneficial as part of a balanced diet.

Sugary Drinks & Processed Snacks

Eat Better for Your Mind, Body & Soul With a combination of protein, fi ber and multiple micronutrients from plant-based sources like legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains as a starting point for good nutri tion, you can positively impact both your physical and emotional health. Eating more nutrient-dense foods containing high amounts of essential vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids helps support brain function and overall mental well-being. A balanced diet helps boost serotonin levels for healthy emotional respons es to stress, releases hormones that promote healing and restoration during sleep and prevents excessive inflammation caused by unhealthy foods or overeating. Making wise dietary choices has lasting effects on your emotional state and overall health; it is an ef fective form of holistic self-care that supports the mind, body and soul.

These food choices often accom pany activities such as watching TV, using the computer, eating in a restaurant or grabbing a snack on the go. While these items may provide short-term satisfaction, they negative ly impact our overall health. Cutting down on sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas and specialty coffee drinks can help reduce weight gain and decrease your risk for type 2 dia betes. Depending on the ingredients, processed snacks contain high levels of sodium and sugar. Improving your diet by reducing or eliminating sugary drinks and processed snacks is a great way to start looking after your mental health through better nutrition. Alcohol & Caffeinated Beverages It is widely known that alcohol and caffeine can have adverse effects on our mental health, so it's important to consume them in moderation. Howev er, monitoring your intake isn’t always easy. A good rule is to limit alcoholic drinks to one or two per day and no more than four or five drinks per week. On the other hand, caffeine can offer benefits when consumed in modera tion – up to 400 milligrams daily – as it has been associated with increased

Incorporating These Foods into Your Daily Diet When it comes to nutrition and mental health, there are certain foods that can help support improved overall well-being. Incorporating key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and minerals, probiotics, antioxidants, amino acids and magnesium into your daily diet will aid in reducing anxiety levels and improving mood. Having healthy eating habits is one of the most important things you can do to improve your mental health. One way to ensure you get sufficient nutrition is to plan meals ahead of time, includ ing foods that are both nutritious and satisfying. Eating a balanced diet with a mix of plant-based proteins and fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals will keep you feeling physically and mentally energized throughout the day.

Based in Flint, MI "Your Favorite Health Coach" Shane Jackson is a professional nutrition specialist with a vast scope of experience. She is a multi-skilled and diversely talented professional with a strong inclination toward self-improvement, human psychology and overall personal health. She has an extensive nursing background as well as a Master's Degree in Social Science and Criminal Justice from

Michigan State University as well as a Ph.D. Currently, Jackson is a Community Nutrition Instructor at MSU. She has published four recipe books and her first children's book, Rainbow Power, is scheduled for release in the summer of 2023.

82

MYCITYMAG.COM