Health and Human Services Professional Development

Food and Mood: Evidence for Diet-Related Changes in Mental Health by   Jenna Carlson, Guest Author   on   September 27, 2014   Do you ever feel down in the dumps some days and cheery other days? It may be because there is a connection between diet and mental health. The food you eat plays an important role in every stage of your life. Your brain is sensitive to the foods that you eat, and to remain healthy your body needs nutrients like grains, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Foods that contain grains, specifically whole-grains like bread can help to stabilize mood and provide energy. Likewise, foods that contain omega-3 fats like fish can help to boost your mood and performance. Foods high in protein like peanut butter help to your brighten mood, and aid in sleep. Also, foods which are high in vitamins, like vitamin B can be found in cheese, which play a role in your concentration and energy. Foods that contain minerals, like iron, which can be ...

Constructing Food Choice Decisions by   Jenna Carlson, Guest Author   on   September 27, 2014   Have you ever thought about how many food choices you have to make in a day? Eating is something that is required for survival and health, and is an activity that is repeated when making food choice decisions. Each time you eat it requires decisions including: what, when, with whom, how long, how, and how much to eat. It is estimated that most people make over 220 food decisions a day (Sobal & Bisogni, 2009). The course of your life includes events and experiences that affect your food choices now and in the future when deciding what to eat. There are also many influences that determine your food choices such as your culture, your personal values, and your resources. The food choices you make occur frequently and are complex, due to the need for survival, and the changes that occur personally and historically, so next time you grab a bite to eat, ask yourself wha...