1. Read about how eating is linked to healthy moods:

 

Sometimes it can feel like we don't have any control over how we feel. But by making simple changes to our lives, we can make a real difference to our mental health.

 

EAT WELL, FEEL BETTER

Did you know good food is good for your mood? It's not just your body you're feeding - it's your mind and how you feel too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW DOES FOOD AFFECT MY MOOD?

 

BLOOD SUGAR

Glucose is a sugar in all foods we eat. It helps our brain think clearly. Some sugars like chocolate and biscuits only give you a short bursts of energy. You'll feel tired and grumpy when the sugar high wears off. Natural sugars in brown bread, pasta, beans and vegetables are better  because they give you energy that lasts. If you eat lots of sugary foods and fizzy drinksyour blood sugar levels go up and down. This can make you cranky and dizzy.

 

GOOD FATS

Fats in oily fish, seeds and nuts cannot be made by our body, so we have to get them from food. 60% of our brain is made of fat. A lack of some fatty acids has been linked tomental health problems, including depression and lack of concentration. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day will also really improve your concentration skills.

 

 

2. Questions to think about and then discuss as a group:

• How healthy is your diet?

• Do you ever skip meals?

• Do you ever have sugary / energy drinks instead of a meal?

• How do these drinks make you feel?

• How much fruit and veg do you have each day?

• How many should you have and why are these important?

• How many glasses of water do you drink each day?

• How often do you eat oily fish, seeds or nuts?

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3. As a group, develop a healthy brain diet for a day to try:

• Could you do this?

• What would stop you from trying?

• Why not try it for a few days and see if it makes you feel better.