Alex Rhodes
February 5, 2024
MOOD-based Diet: Good Mood Food
Change your mood with the MOOD-based Diet.
Table of Contents
- I. MOOD-based Diet
- II. What is the MOOD-based Diet?
- III. The Basics of MOOD-Based Eating
- IV. How MOOD-based Eating Works
- V. How to Follow the MOOD-based Diet
- VI. Ready to Get in a Better Mood?
II. What is the MOOD-based Diet?
Imagine the MOOD-based Diet was on a spectrum from high mood (anxious / overwhelmed) to low mood (sad / depressed). The MOOD-based Diet matches food groups to your mental state, no matter where on the spectrum you lie. When your mood is low, you prioritize one set of mood-boosting foods. When your mood is high, you turn to another group of foods to calm your nerves.
III. The Basics of MOOD-Based Eating
The MOOD-based Diet is simple, there is a foundation made up of meat, organ meats, and collagen-rich foods to support structural gut health. Once that foundation is established we categorize food into two basic groups:
- Low mood foods: These foods are higher in fat, protein and cholesterol. Examples include butter, tallow, lard, and high-fat dairy products like cheese. These nutrient-dense whole foods interact with brain chemicals to lift low moods.
- High mood foods: These carbohydrate-rich fruits are more calming, lowering a high mood. Examples include lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, and mango.
IV. How MOOD-based Eating Works
Carbohydrates are the only non-essential macronutrient, while fat and protein are essential. Though carbs are not required for survival, they can impact mood and help calm the nervous system. The MOOD-based diet is generally lower in carbohydrates but incorporates some, if needed, to promote mental balance. The gut and brain communicate via the gut-brain axis, and macronutrients can be utilized for different mood goals based on this communication. Carbohydrates and fats are a tool to create a mood-balanced system.
V. How to Follow the MOOD-based Diet
Following the MOOD-based Diet is simple, rinse and repeat these steps for a diet suited to your mood health:
- Look at your current state. Are you feeling down and sluggish? Stressed and anxious? Identify where you’re at. From there, place yourself on the spectrum.
- Based on which direction you lean, prioritize those food groups. It is important to note that protein is foundational for each mood.
- Incorporate more of your target mood food(s) and less of the opposite mood food in the next few days.
- After eating your mood food(s), check back in with yourself. Has your mood shifted at all? Make adjustments to your food choices depending on the changes you notice. Continue to bring awareness your state and make adjustments over the course of 2-3 months.
The key is being aware of your emotions and thoughtful about how what you eat makes you feel – both now and afterwards. It may take some experimentation to find your balance. You can also check out our full MOOD-based Diet Guide to get a feel for what you need.
VI. Ready to Get in a Better Mood?
With mindful eating, you can benefit from good mood foods. Don’t forget to download our MOOD-based Diet Guide for additional details.