s e m o n i a n

In 2009, the British Journal of Psychiatry compared five years’ worth of diet information from over 3,400 people. The study found that those who consumed processed meat, chocolate, sweetened desserts, refined cereals, and high-fat dairy and fried foods were more vulnerable to depression over time. But alternately, “those with the highest intake of whole foods, such as fruits, veggies and fish, had a significantly lower incidences of clinical depression.”

Eating healthy omega-3 fatty acids in fish, antioxidants in produce, and folates in legumes and leafy vegetables over time proved to have a cumulative positive effect on mood. The study went on to say, “even after adjusting for factors such as smoking and fitness level, a processed food dietary pattern is a risk for…depression 5 years later, whereas a whole food pattern is protective.”

Even if you are “fit,” you still must feed the human machine the proper fuels for optimal performance long into your life, both physically and emotionally. Adding nutrient-dense foods and whole grains, and eliminating refined sugars, are simple ways to keep the blues away.

Enjoy Your Exercise. Enjoy Your Day.