#89 - Food and Mood: How Nutrition Influences Your Mental Health

In this episode, Nicole Aucoin explores the fascinating connection between food, mood, and mental health. Drawing on her conversation with Dr. Uma Naidoo, author of "Your Brain on Food," Nicole dives into the profound impact of nutrition on our mental well-being. She uncovers the dangers of ultra-processed foods and their link to mental illness while emphasizing the importance of consuming whole foods. Nicole shares key findings from a study indicating that high consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of anxiety and depression. In this episode, you'll learn how what we eat influences how we feel, and vice versa. In this episode, you will learn: Nutrition has a significant impact on mental health. Ultra-processed foods are linked to mental illness, while whole foods are important for mental well-being. The gut-brain connection plays a vital role in mental health, and consuming fermented foods or supplements promotes good gut bacteria. Excess sugar consumption negatively affects mental health and chronic diseases, so it's important to be mindful of sugar intake and opt for whole foods. Taking a 15-minute walk after meals helps with digestion, blood sugar regulation, mood, and energy levels. Links: ▼ ▽ BLOG: https://healthystepsnutrition.com/nutrition-made-simple-podcast-episode-89-food-and-mood-how-nutrition-influences-your-mental-health/ ▼ ▽ Free Help From Healthy Steps Nutrition Sign Up For Weekly Email Including 3 Health Tips, Healthy Recipe & More HERE | https://api.grow.pushpress.com/widget/form/BZ43TcGZul998X5X3TZW ▼ ▽ Connect With Us HSN Mentoring Instagram HERE | https://www.instagram.com/hsn_mentoring/ Healthy Steps Nutrition Instagram HERE | https://www.instagram.com/healthystepsnutrition/ Nicole Aucoin Instagram HERE | https://www.instagram.com/nicole_rd_hsn/ ▼ ▽ Healthy Steps Nutrition & HSN Mentoring We believe something as fundamental as nutrition shouldn't be complicated, which is why we focus on a simple habit-based approach. Our mission is to help one million people take control of their health one step at a time. In order to do that, we need gym owners and coaches with their boots on the ground, using the Healthy Steps Nutrition framework to empower their communities to make health a way of life. HSN Mentoring provides a turn-key solution for gym owners to build, launch and grow a professional nutrition coaching program in their gym including training, business systems, nutrition coach certification, an exclusive app to manage clients, and ongoing mentoring. ▼ ▽ How It Works With Healthy Steps Nutrition HQ: Apply for coaching HERE | https://healthystepsnutrition.com/personalized-coaching Create a customized plan with your personal nutrition coach/registered dietitian addressing four pillars of health {nutrition, daily movement, mindset, and sleep} Become the best and healthiest version of yourself one step at a time ▼ ▽ Find A Healthy Steps Nutrition Certified Coach Near You HERE | https://hireanutritioncoach.com/