How a Positive Mood Helps You Eat Healthier

Dear Friends,

Do you ever feel this way?

I’m so upset! I had planned on eating a salad and grilled chicken for lunch. Yet, when my boss told me that I had to stay late once again for another boring meeting, I forgot all about eating healthy. My stress levels were so high that I automatically rushed to the vending machine and bought myself a chocolate bar. I didn’t even realize eating it until I saw the wrapper in my hand. I felt so frustrated that I wanted to sit down and cry.

How does current research correlate our mood with our eating habits?

I found Cornell University’s research to be very interesting and practical. Their studies show that being in a positive mood leads to healthier food choices. The opposite holds true for negative moods. Could that be why we choose junk food or sweets when negative thoughts dominate our mind?

Negative State of Mind

According to Brian Wansink and his team, when we’re in a negative state of mind, we focus on satisfying the present moment and forget about nutritious meals. On the other hand, when we’re in a good or positive mood, we can see the “big picture” and tend to make healthier choices. Did you know that we eat 77% healthier when we think of a positive thought or are grateful for something in our lives?

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What can we learn from this research for our everyday lives?

You control your thoughts.

Think happy thoughts or pay attention to being grateful for your life and you’ll tend to choose healthier meals.

If you’re under stress with a negative mood dominating your thoughts, first become aware of your emotions. How are your reacting to your thoughts and emotions in relation to your food choice?

STOP and THINK instead of reacting automatically to that chocolate bar or those French fries.

Some simple techniques you can use at the moment are deep breathing and/or replacing your negative thoughts with a positive one. If you can find a logical solution to your stressful situation, do so. Then smile.

Share your Comments:

Have you ever felt that your mood influenced your food choice?

About Debbie

Debbie Polisky, MS, MBA, CLT is a Bilingual Nutritionist, Zumba Instructor, Wellness Consultant and Adjunct Faculty who uses mind and body techniques, such as mindfulness, stress management, exercise, dance/zumba, yoga and nutrition to improve the lives of patients, students and the community. She has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, in two countries, Argentina and in USA and in her two native languages, English and Spanish.