“My psychologist encouraged me to shop and cook for myself, instead of buying takeaways. I’m eating better than I was and started walking every day, 4km or more sometimes. What with working part-time and having a cat too, my life has improved dramatically.”
Rob
Overview
Your brain needs a lot of nutrients to function and keep you well. Eating well helps to reduce the risk of physical health problems like heart disease and diabetes. It also helps with sleeping patterns, energy levels, and your general health.

You may have noticed that your mood often affects the types of food you choose, as well as how much you eat. Some foods can lift your mood, energy levels, and concentration, while others can have the opposite effect.

For example, eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can reduce your risk of some mental health conditions such as depression, while eating foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat may increase your risk.

Having a healthy, balanced diet plays an important role in your overall health and wellbeing. Your GP can direct you to an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who can give you face-to-face support. Getting in touch with other people who have had challenges with healthy eating may also give you ideas on how to overcome your own challenges and improve your eating habits.

Eating well helps to reduce the risk of physical health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

A closer look

Eating a selection of foods that meet your daily nutritional needs can help you improve your overall health and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Next steps
You might find online and phone-based mental health resources helpful. Some suggestions are below. You can find more with our Search tool(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab).

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Mood and food
Mood and food
Choosing healthy foods may help you to feel well and happy.
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How are nutrition and mental health linked?
How are nutrition and mental health linked?
Nutrition affects mental health and wellbeing, and promotes and maintains healthy brain development in children and young people.
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Page last updated 11th July 2019
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