As vegans we cannot become complacent about what we eat - yes we have chosen not to eat meat, fish and dairy, but what of our other food choices? Are we eating the best foods for out physical and mental health? More research is now being conducted, and more evidence accumulated, on the links between food and drink and our health. Below are some thoughts on this, for reflection and discussion. If you then wish to pursue the issue further there are some references given.
The impact of the food we eat on our mood, and/or our mood influencing the food and drink choices that we make. For example, are you a person that reaches for a cup of coffee or some chocolate when you are tired or feeling flat in order to get a bit of a lift? Or for a thick slice of toast when you feel stressed or in need of comfort? Or, on the other side of the coin, do you find that after drinking that cup of coffee you are alert, able to concentrate better, or do you get the symptoms of anxiety? Or do you find that bread leaves you feeling bloated and lethargic?
If your blood sugar is low do you find that you become irritable, tearful, withdrawn and tired? "Highs and lows in mood and energy can be linked to highs and lows in blood sugar levels. Blood sugar is affected by the food we eat and drink, particularly sweet, sugary and starchy foods. We may eat these foods because we enjoy the taste or need the high of almost instant energy they provide. Unfortunately these highs can be followed by lows in mood and energy...." (The Food and Mood Handbook) By changing the type of foods you eat and your patterns of eating, you may find that your blood sugar levels and moods become more stable.
But it has been found that brain chemicals do influence mood and a sense of well being. For example the neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the brain) called serotonin has been associated with enhancing mood and promoting sleep. Serotonin is produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan, found in protein foods such as beans, oats and nuts. Ready-made serotonin is found in avocados, bananas and plums.
These are a few suggestions : Try to choose brown over white foods Eat regularly throughout the day, so as to maintain blood sugar levels - eat snacks between meals if necessary Eat a varied diet, rather than being reliant on a limited number of foods Carry food with you if out - especially important as a vegan where there may be no options available Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables Cut down (not necessarily omit altogether) stimulants such as coffee, chocolate and alcohol Enjoy the cooking and tasting of great vegan food
The above only scratches the surface on the issue of food and mood, but it will hopefully allow you to begin to recognise the influences in yourself of what you ingest on a daily basis. Everyone is different - what impacts on your mood and health may not be apparent in someone else. Only you can make that link and make the changes. Above all remember that our choice of vegan foods is there to be enjoyed and to promote a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
If you want to read further the following books, although not vegan, have lots of practical information.