“I can’t wait to take this (tracker) with me to the store.”
That excitement echoed throughout the room during Food and Mood, a special mental wellness event that brought families, community members, mental health professionals, and medical professionals together to explore a powerful question: Is there a connection between what we feel and what we eat?
Spoiler alert: Yes, there is.
Families discussed how our emotions shape our cravings and influence our dietary choices more than we realize. During the discussion, participants learned that emotions are immediate, while mood is prolonged—and both have an impact on what ends up on our plates.
Another important takeaway? Stress can sabotage healthy eating.
Stressed individuals, especially women, tend to gravitate toward high-calorie, sugar and fat-laden foods. Men, on the other hand, often cope through smoking or alcohol rather than food. But regardless of the strategy, the outcome is the same: poor choices that can amplify stress and emotional discomfort.
We were reminded that while emotions are constant, our food choices don’t have to be reactive. By building self-awareness and intention around eating, we can better support our mental well-being and that of our families, even when life gets challenging.
We are emotional beings living in a stressful world. But we also have the power to make choices—conscious, informed choices that nourish both body and mind. Thank you to all the families, community members, and professionals who came together to share, learn, and grow.
Keep asking yourself: What will you eat to feel your best?
FACCES regularly hosts interactive workshops focused on mental wellness. Coming up next month: “Trauma and Resilience for Youth and Families.” Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside your community.
