Food & Mood
Nutrition forms part of the wellbeing group work course.
Scientists are beginning to recognize the link between diet, levels of inflammation in the body, and mood. It is a commonly held belief that your gut is almost like your second brain. In fact, more serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut than in the brain. Eating anti-inflammatory nutrients on a regular basis can help you lower your stress levels, feel calmer, and maintain energy from the inside out. Processed foods, on the other hand, do the exact opposite.
In this part of the group work wellbeing course, we look at a range of foods, the nutrients they possess, and the way those nutrients support your nervous system and therefore your mental health.
The Food and Mood Project helps to inform people about how the food you eat affects your mood. Poor mental health is the fastest rising public health issue, of which depression and anxiety are the most common mental health difficulties. Research shows that diets which lack key nutrients negatively impact people’s mental health, and that by eating healthy food may help to prevent and treat depression. The Ripple Project takes mental health seriously, so a key part of our work is to support local residents through our wellbeing plan.
As part of the wellbeing plan, the Community Food Development Project delivers a 6-week Food and Mood course. Each week, people learn about the health benefits of eating foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. People who take part get free handouts, recipes, tips, and weekly food plans for healthy eating. Also, everyone who takes part gets the opportunity to cook tasty and nutritional meals. It is a friendly environment where people support each other, share their ideas, food habits and learn new ways of improving their mental health.
The course is run by Ayesha, who is a Nutritionist and the Community Food and Development Officer at the Ripple. She has loads of experience in working alongside people to support their physical and mental health through healthy eating. For more information, please contact Ayesha:
Email: ayesha@theripple.org.uk / Phone: 0131 554 0422