It can be that simple: if you eat good food, you’ll have a good mood—or at least a better one than you might otherwise have had.

Eating well and maintaining a healthy diet with nutritious foods has numerous proven health benefits.

But did you know that the food you eat can directly impact your mood in the same way that your mental state can impact the food you crave for?

Nutritional needs change over time and depending on lifestyle.

Are you very active? Pregnant? Breastfeeding? In recovery?

All these factors and more, such as age and biology, will impact the food your body needs and the cravings you have.

Accordingly, what you eat—rather, what you should be eating—is going to depend on a wide range of elements unique to each person. If you aren’t eating well relative to yourself then you likely won’t be meeting your body’s needs and this can dramatically affect not only your physical health but also your mental health.

Research has shown that there’s a connection between diet and stress.

Stress doesn’t just arise from negative events, it can arise from undergoing a tough new fitness regime or going through significant life changes. It can be anticipated or totally unexpected.

Whatever the case, these catalysts can alter your nutritional requirements—but if you meet them with good food you’re more likely to be able to maintain a good mood and keep stress under control.

What’s more is with the right food you can better address or even avoid a range of health conditions typically related to nutrition. These include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Thyroid problems
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Crohn’s disease
• Allergies
• Ulcerative colitis
• Cancer
• Obesity
• Stress related disorders
• Menstrual irregularities
• Chronic fatigue
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Metabolic syndrome

It goes without saying that if you’re in good health, you’re more likely to be in a positive mental space.

Dr Jaimini Raniga is based in Castle Hill NSW and can help you explore and receive the benefits of nutritional medicine—so you too can enjoy good food for a good mood and put yourself on the path to a healthier, happier you!