Posted by Sharon Howell, ADD Management Group Coach
I recently read an article about the “food-mood connection.” The article makes the point that sugar, in any form and caffeine are really bad if you suffer from lack of energy, depression and/or stress. Since I deal with all three from time to time, I was really interested in what they had to say. I know that sugar is bad for me, both in the form of white table sugar and white carbohydrates, but I really never put it together that low energy, depression and stress can all be worsened by poor eating habits. Consuming too much sugar, caffeine and other stimulants can create a constant sense of anxiety in most people, and this can overload the adrenal glands.
Those of us who are ADD are often struggling more than the average person with low energy levels (if we are inattentive ADDers), depression and the effects of stress. Anything that can help is always welcome. And, if reducing sugar and caffeine consumption works on all three of these issues, think how much better we could all feel!
Obviously, if it were that easy, we would all be doing it. But, if you start by substituting a few foods at a time that can help, once we start feeling better, we will be encouraged to keep up the good work. What you eat affects the way you feel – for better or worse. Some of the ideas that I thought would be easy to change are:
- Try unsweetened muesli with sliced bananas
- Add whey protein powder to a protein shake and sprinkle cinnamon on cereal, toast, cottage cheese, etc. (research indicates that whey protein and cinnamon both help control blood sugar levels)
- Sprinkle flaxseed on oatmeal, cereal or a salad and eating nuts, tuna and grilled salmon are all good sources of omega-3 fats.
- Fruit with chopped nuts makes a healthy dessert
- Complex carbohydrate snacks, like the skin of a baked yam, a couple of hours before bed can boost your blood sugar and help your brain synthesize serotonin
These few simple, but sensible ideas for improving your diet could make a huge difference in how you feel on a daily basis – and who couldn’t use a little more energy, a little more positive outlook and a little less stress?!
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