Food, Mood and Mental Health: Why Your Plate Matters

14 May Food, Mood and Mental Health: Why Your Plate Matters

When most of my patients think about improving their mental health (or when they come to me seeking help with their symptoms) they imagine therapy, medication, or maybe meditation and all of those can be helpful. I always say that sometimes a little bit of chemical goes a long way. After all, when we feel better, we can do better. But there’s one piece of the puzzle that’s often overlooked, even though it’s one of the most powerful tools we have: food.

Yes, food.

The meals you eat each day don’t just fuel your body they feed your brain, influence your mood, and even shape your emotional resilience. In fact, your gut (often called your “second brain”) communicates constantly with your central nervous system through a vast network of nerves, hormones, and chemicals. This means what’s on your plate has a direct line to what’s happening in your mind.

The Science Is Clear: Food Affects Mood

Modern neuroscience and the growing field of nutritional psychiatry have confirmed what many traditional healing systems have long known what you eat can either support or sabotage your mental health. This is why functional nutrition classes and coaching are a very big part of our practice! 

Nutrient-rich, whole foods like leafy greens, berries, omega-3-rich fish, nuts, seeds, and fermented foods help reduce inflammation, boost neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and improve memory, clarity, and mood. On the flip side, ultra-processed foods, added sugars, artificial additives, and trans fats can contribute to brain fog, anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline over time.

Your Brain Is Always “On” So Feed It Accordingly

Unlike other organs, your brain never gets a break. Even while you sleep, it’s clearing out toxins, forming memories, and restoring your mood-regulating chemicals. This constant activity means your brain needs steady, high-quality fuel not just calories, but the right combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and healthy fats.

If you’re struggling with focus, forgetfulness, low energy, irritability, poor sleep, or lack of motivation, your brain could be telling you it’s hungry for better nutrition.

Your Invitation to Build A Better Brain

You don’t have to be a patient to get the benefit of building a better brain. In my private community, The Seva Circle, we explore the deep and dynamic connection between food, mood, and mental clarity.

Join FREE today and you’ll learn exactly what I teach my patients:

• Which foods support emotional well-being and brain health
• How to create meals that boost focus, reduce anxiety, and lift your mood
• Simple shifts to reduce brain fog and sharpen your thinking
• Why gut health matters more than you think (and how to heal it)
• And how to design your plate to help you build a better brain, naturally

This is more than a meal plan, it’s a mindset shift; one that honors the incredible power you have to influence your own mental wellness every single day, beginning with your next bite. Here’s a FREE sample of the many resources you’ll find inside!

Get Your FREE Recipe Now! 

Nature’s Nutrients Inside: 

• ProteinThis recipe is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall growth and development. The eggs and tuna in this recipe are both high-quality sources of protein.
• Vitamins and MineralsThe ingredients in this recipe provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Arugula is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Calcium. Tuna is rich in Vitamin D and Selenium. Corn contributes to the intake of Fiber and Vitamin C. These nutrients support a range of bodily functions including immune function, bone health, and heart health.
• MacronutrientsThis recipe provides a balanced mix of macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This balance is important for maintaining energy levels, supporting metabolic function, and promoting overall health. The carbohydrates come primarily from the corn, the protein from the eggs and tuna, and the fats from the salad dressing.

If making your food more functional excites you, join me in the Mindful Meal Prep Club today!

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Start Building A Better Brain Today!