Fad diets generally focus on foods to ban from your plate. It's an approach that can lead to an effect we get into in this episode called the "what the hell effect." And it's spot-on. So, how can that effect be avoided? We'll highlight an approach that focuses not just on foods to add, but paying attention to how those foods add to your mental health. Be sure to take our Resilience Quiz and sign up for your free mini-course for ideas of foods to add.

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast 00:42 The Importance of Nourishing Food 01:25 The Problem with Restrictive Diets 02:03 Personal Journey and Philosophy on Nutrition 03:28 The Impact of Modern Food Choices 04:17 The Importance of Variety in Diet 06:02 The Psychology of Eating and Dieting 08:41 The Power of Positive Eating Habits 11:27 The Role of Diet in Mental Health 15:40 Key Factors in a Mood-Boosting Diet 17:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Topics 18:20 Podcast Wrap-up and Disclaimer

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all!

Sources and Notes:

• Polivy, J., & Herman, C. P. (2020). Overeating in Restrained and Unrestrained Eaters. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 30. Access here.
• Crum, A. J., Corbin, W. R., Brownell, K. D., & Salovey, P. (2011). Mind over milkshakes: mindsets, not just nutrients, determine ghrelin response. Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 30(4), 424–431. Access here.
• Related Joy Lab podcast episode: Your Unique Diet for Mental Health (Depression and Anxiety Coping Skills Podcourse)
• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148464775

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at [email protected]. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.