Diet can affect your mood. In this article, we will discuss the different kinds of diets and how they impact your psyche.
Fad Diets
Fad diets come and go. The only constant is that people follow them for a short period of time and then move on to the next trend. The same is true for intermittent fasting, the trend of which rose and fell several times in the last few years. The key difference between a fad diet and healthy eating is that the first focuses on specific trends that are popular at any given moment, while the latter promotes a long-term, sustainable approach to nutrition. When adopting a fad diet, you may experience some mood changes due to the food restrictions that come with it. Some of the most popular fad diets include:
- The lemon juice diet
- The grapefruit diet
- The gluten-free diet
- The Atkins diet
- The paleo diet
- The vegan diet
- The dairy-free diet
All of these diets limit certain food groups that contribute to healthy eating, making them unpopular with mainstream dieticians who promote eating nutritious foods that contribute to your body’s overall well-being. The problem with following any of these fad diets is that you will never know whether your mood is affected by them or if it is just a coincidence. What is more, by avoiding certain foods that you think may raise your mood, you may in fact be harming it. This is why we cannot say for certain whether or not these diets will help you to feel better. Fortunately, there are other options available that may improve your quality of life, boost your mental health and allow you to maintain a positive attitude.
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating plan that promotes the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds along with whole grains, seafood, and red wine. Research has shown that people who follow this way of eating have fewer mood disorders than those who eat a western diet. One of the main reasons behind this is that the nutrients found in greater quantities in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are essential for brain health. What’s more, the spices in red wine that may raise your cholesterol do not affect those who follow this way of eating as much as those who drink sugary beverages. Red wine is okay to drink in moderation if you’re on a Mediterranean diet, but you should avoid anything containing additional sugars.
The Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet is a special kind of diet that was originally used to treat epilepsy in children. This type of diet forces your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where your body produces fewer carbohydrates and relies mostly on fat for its energy. Since this is an extreme form of dieting, it’s not for the faint-hearted. The upside is that you will experience some amazing mental and physical benefits. The ketogenic diet allows your body to run on fat for fuel, causing your brain’s glucose levels to drop, resulting in reduced anxiety and increased energy. This energy boost may make you want to engage in more physical activity, leading to additional weight loss. Some of the foods that you will need to avoid on a ketogenic diet are those with added sugar, such as desserts and condiments. You must also stay hydrated by drinking at least six glasses of water per day. This way of eating has a lot to offer if you’re willing to put in the effort. Just make sure that you consult your physician before starting any sort of weight loss program, as there are various types of medications and supplements that he may recommend for this type of diet. Fortunately, you can find a dietitian who will recommend a healthier way of eating to suit your needs. Seeing as how this is an extreme way of eating, you may experience some mood changes as a side effect, but they will be minimal and of no concern.
Weight Watchers Diet
The weight watchers diet is one of the most popular fad diets that encourages you to eat foods with a low glycemic index, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. In order to maintain a healthy weight, you will need to consume fewer calories than you expend. Since this is a diet that promotes a healthy lifestyle, it’s not surprising that people who follow this plan report fewer mental health problems than those who eat more refined foods. The downsides of the weight watchers diet are similar to those of the other fad diets discussed above. What’s more, you will need to pay attention to what you consume, as there are certain foods (such as chocolate and potatoes) that are on the prohibited list. This sort of diet is not for everyone, as it requires a lot of dedication and self-control. People who are prone to binge eating may also suffer from depression and anxiety as a result of following this diet plan. However, if you’re looking for a quick fix, this could be the perfect choice for you.
The Juice Fast Diet
The juice fast diet is another type of fad diet that involves alternating days of eating raw fruit and vegetables along with water and some herbal tea. Research shows that people who follow this way of eating reported fewer mental health problems than those who eat a typical western diet. This diet does not require a lot of willpower, as you will need to follow what comes in your juicer rather than a strict list of foods. The benefits of the juice fast diet are similar to those of the other fad diets discussed above. What’s more, you will receive all the micronutrients that you need from the fruit and vegetables that you consume. These foods are low in calories, making it easy to lose a few pounds without suffering too much. This is one of the most popular fad diets among millennials, due to its convenience and the fact that it does not require much effort. People who are genetically predisposed to obesity may also find that this diet encourages them to eat less and exercise more, resulting in additional weight loss.
Each of these diets has its perks and quirks, and they are not suited for everyone. If you’re looking to improve your mental health or want to shed a few pounds, you may find that any of these diets help you achieve your goals. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it and end up in a situation where you’re making yourself sick. Everyone’s body is different, and some foods may make you feel better than others. By experimenting with different types of diets and identifying which ones work best for you, you may find that you’re able to improve your quality of life and adopt a healthier lifestyle. So, instead of popping a pill to improve your mood, try adding some new foods to your diet that will help you feel better!