Food plays an important part in all of our lives and eating healthily has many benefits for your physical wellbeing.
However, the type of food you use to fuel your body also has an impact on your emotional wellbeing.
It might sound strange but your brain and gut are connected and a healthier gut means a healthier brain.
Food and mood
When you feel low or anxious you might lose your appetite, find yourself eating more or even reaching for unhealthy snacks.
Eating regularly is important as it helps to keep sugar levels steady, which in turn helps keep your mood more balanced.
Choosing to eat a healthier diet means that you get a good supply of minerals and vitamins which help to keep you mentally healthy.
Eating healthily is all about balance - it’s important to enjoy the food that you eat, have treats occasionally and not be too hard on yourself.
Eating a balanced diet can also help you reach a weight that is healthy for you and this can help build self-confidence.
Making changes to what you eat can be really tough, especially if you’re feeling low or stressed.
Often it can help to start off with small changes such as eating healthier snacks or drinking more water.
Our health improvement advisors can help you work towards a healthier weight and make small, healthy eating choices to improve your emotional wellbeing.
How to get involved
If you want to take the first steps towards eating well, losing weight and improving how you feel, you can take part in our online health MOT.
Alternatively call us on 0800 085 2299 for more information.
Issues with food and eating disorders
If thoughts about what and when you eat feel like they're taking over your life, or if you feel that your relationship with food is becoming difficult, there is help on hand.
You might find support from specialist eating disorder services to be helpful.