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Student Mental Health
Mental Health resources for students, both on and off campus.
If you have tried to change your diet, you may be aware how much of what you eat—and don’t eat—affects the way you think and feel. An unhealthy diet can take a toll on your brain and mood, disrupt your sleep, sap your energy, and weaken your immune system. Conversely, switching to a wholesome diet, low in sugar and rich in healthy fats, can give you more energy, improves your sleep and mood, and helps you to look and feel your best.
Tips & Techniques
People respond slightly differently to certain foods, depending on genetics and other health factors, so experiment with how the food you include in—or cut from—your diet changes the way you feel. The best place to start is by cutting out the “bad fats” that can damage your mood and outlook, and replace them with “good fats” that support brain-health.
Foods that adversely affect mood
Trans fats or anything with “partially hydrogenated” oil
Foods with high levels of chemical preservatives or hormones
Refined carbs (such as white rice or white flour)
Foods that boost mood
Fatty fish rich in Omega-3s such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, tuna
Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, Brussel sprouts