Does what I eat affect depression?

Guest_1055 · ‎13-11-2015

Hi Just wanting to know if anyone has experienced changes in behaviours, moods and their emotions depending on what they do or do not eat. Because I am very convinced that for me, consuming refined sugar, the ingredient you find in a lot of processed foods makes my emotions all over the place. And when I choose to eat mainly whole natural foods, I am so so much calmer, happier and my brain is no longer foggy or heavy.Just want to know what others think. Thanks heaps.

Guest_1055 · ‎20-11-2015

Yeah I went walking, we went around 7:30am. I was a little scared because sometimes I do not know what words to say. My sister is a very kind person, so that does make it easier.

It is probably better to go later on, if you are going out side, because it was quite warm were we live even at 7-30am.

Watch a movie called "That sugar movie", well I think that was the name. There was a little bit in there about how sugar affects the brain and emotions. Have you seen that one StefT? I didn't like the whole documentary, it was a bit unusual in bits.

Well I did eat junk today, and I do regret it.

I have heard a little about green tea? Do know why it is good to drink? I only know about the antioxidants in it, or something like that, I am not completely sure.

That is a good idea, about having some treats pre made, I think I should do that as well.

Well I hope you enjoy your walk, or at least know you are choosing a beneficial activity. And I hope you are feeling OK.

Hugs to you StefT

StefT · ‎20-11-2015

Good on you for walking, she is you sister and it doesn't matter if you have few words. I haven't seen that movie but I can imagine the gist of it. Don't regret eating some junk, we need time out to indulge and pamper ourselves at times or we will fail miserably long term with goals. Green tea is less processed than dark tea and is considered a little more beneficial but really either or. I went shopping today and picked up lots of fruit and veges I think I will make a Thai beef salad this weekend and maybe dark chocolate dipped strawberries. I have a lot to learn about healthy eating. I may end up going a mix between paleo and vegan for meals.

Stay well

Guest_1055 · ‎21-11-2015

I love seeing lots of different types and colours of fruit and vegetables in the shopping trolley. And the dark chocolate dipped strawberries sounds pretty yummy. Are you making your own dark chocolate for that then?

StefT · ‎21-11-2015

No just store bought 70% Coca chocolate, probably a lot of sugar in it but still better that scoffing down a full block of chocolate as I tend to do. The Thai beef salad is nice, I put a habanero chilli in it and even with just one it has a kick. I'm going to make apple chips. Which is just grated apple sprinkled with cinnamon and dried in a low temp oven. This is sounding like a cooking thread but I guess it falls under staying well and that involves healthy eating. I appreciate the contact anyway. I've noticed you connect well to people, I could really imagine you as a counselor or even an author, really. Food for thought, no pun intended.

Guest_1055 · ‎22-11-2015

Hi StefT

I made a Thai salad a couple of times, but it was a while back. I am trying to think what it had in it. No I cannot remember but it was a vegan one. A habanero chilli, is that the real tiny ones? I don't use a lot of chilli myself.

So did you end up making the Apple chips?

Yeah you are right this is sounding like a cooking thread. And now I am almost smiling, which is good. I actually like cooking and baking. It is washing the pile of dishes, that I so much struggle with. Especially if I am feeling sad or emotionally tired, then I could not give two hoots about them.

I hear what you say about the counselor, and someone else has mentioned that to me before. I know that I feel people's hurt and pain, and I want to take it all away for them, so they would not have to feel it anymore. I hate to see people suffering in any way, mostly it brings me to tears, and I just want to hold and comfort them. But I think that is all I can do, if that makes sense???

xxx to you

StefT · ‎23-11-2015

Yes habanero cilli's are small and quite hot though only about a third of the hotness of a real Thai chilli. The Apple chips.. Well two whole apples shriveled up into almost nothing, two much heat maybe. Still was worth a try. Next a Tuna pasta with wholemeal pasta. I like to wash as I cook so there is little to do later. You are an empath and would flourish working in a field using those skills.

Guest_1055 · ‎23-11-2015

Never mind about the apple chips, I am assuming that they smelt delicious as they were baking, especially with the cinnamon. I think I bought some apple crips in like a bag in woolies, which were pretty yummy, with no refined sugar.

So do you work Stef?

Properly should go to bed, it is just about 2am. But to tell you the truth there is so much on my mind, I don't think I am going to be able to sleep.

Aiming to go on a juice/ smoothie fast tomorrow for 3 days, just to help get rid of addictions to refined sugar, almost like a detox. I also want to observe if it helps with emotional moods.

xxx

StefT · ‎24-11-2015

Yes I work, night shift and usually sleep only 4-5 hours a day, sometimes none. The lack of sleep set off my depression and as horrid as that feels it woke me up to focus and start fighting long term issues. I'm learning lots of things to improve my life. That said knowledge is one thing, doing another and sticking at something another level altogether. It's quite a challenge but can we afford not to.

A smoothie detox sounds great, avoiding sugar highs and achieving a goal. Try to get enough sleep, it's more important than eating healthy. Sometimes I just play a You Tube hypnosis self development vid through the earphones, no idea if it helps but I fall asleep every time 🙂

Guest_1055 · ‎24-11-2015

What is the work that you do?

Yeah 4-5 hours of sleep does not sound like very much. It is a wonder you cope at all. So what happens ? You are asleep, something triggers you to wake up, then once you are awakened, you then use this time to research stuff to help yourself heal. Is that right?

You are speaking truth, knowledge can be useful, but actually implementing it can be a challenge. And sticking to it, yeah another issue. I am trying to think, if I have any strategies to help oneself stick to it. Yes..... We need a reason to actually want to stick to it. Like something to motivate us. So when a did a juice fast last month, I wrote down a long list of why do a fast in the first place. Sorry if I ramble on so.... Then I would read my list quite often to help motivate myself and stay focused.

What you mentioned about the lack of sleep and how it affects depression, is an interesting topic, and I have never considered it before. So I will most likely " google" it to see what info I can find. I love researching things about health, nutrition and the human body, it just amazes me how it all works.

I was wondering if you consume foods that have omega 3 or take a supplement or anything???

Well I have truly enjoyed having conversations with you Stef. Truly.

With hugs xxx

StefT · ‎25-11-2015

Yeah I just wake up around mid day regardless how few hours sleep I have had. Apart from the day noise and sunshine I think it's psychological. It just doesn't feel natural sleeping during the day. My boss is finalizing a new contract at another venue and is promising me a day job there. Less money but I should be able to sleep more.

They say it takes around a month to establish a new habit. Even then the old bad habit is still there just suppressed, many bad habits or addictions are associated with our primeval survival instincts and never go away.

I'm getting some Omega 3 in the mixed nuts I eat too many of because of the walnuts I eat. Now that you mentioned it I might get some canned salmon or sardine and use in salad wraps.

Stay well