Chapter 1: The Impact of Diet on Mental Health

Last year, I had a stark reminder of how closely linked my diet is to my mental well-being. Throughout my teenage years and into adulthood, I’ve faced persistent insomnia, which had recently intensified. Eager to find a solution, I decided to experiment with my eating habits.

At first, I increased my carbohydrate intake while previously adhering to a low-carb regimen. Remarkably, my sleep improved significantly. However, my mental health took a nosedive.

This wasn’t about indulging in sweets or processed snacks; I was trying wholesome options like sprouted oat groats and Japanese sweet potatoes. During this period, I was using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and decided to try Ezekiel English muffins, made from sprouted grains and delightful when toasted.

Being mindful of my glucose levels, I avoided “naked” carbs (carbohydrates without fat or protein) by topping the muffins generously with raw local butter and almond butter. Occasionally, I would even add a piece of 85% organic dark chocolate on top. It felt like heaven! Surprisingly, my CGM readings were no worse than when I consumed root vegetables, possibly even better.

For about five days, I enjoyed an English muffin daily, “well dressed,” and felt fantastic. But then, everything changed.

I experienced a significant crash, and my anxiety levels skyrocketed. It was as if I was observing myself from a distance, unable to intervene. The anxiety was overwhelming, seemingly arising from nowhere, and it didn’t make sense.

I reached out to my husband to discuss my feelings.

A little context: I was in Canada visiting my mother, having rushed home as soon as the borders reopened after the lengthy COVID-19 lockdown. There was undeniable stress tied to returning home, especially since my father had passed away during the pandemic—though not directly due to the virus. The funeral was a nightmare, as no one could attend, especially those from different provinces.

Despite being home for several weeks, this sudden wave of anxiety felt inexplicable. Upon reflection, the only change I could identify was the introduction of wheat back into my diet through the English muffins, having avoided it for a couple of years. My doctor suggested that dairy might also play a role, but I wasn’t convinced.

After recognizing this connection, I decided to eliminate the muffins from my diet. The anxiety simply wasn’t worth it, and I desperately wanted to regain my sense of normalcy.

To my relief, after a few days without them, my anxiety dissipated completely.

What’s next for me? Since that experience, I’ve had no desire for any type of bread, as I want to avoid reliving that anxiety.

What foods in your life could you consider eliminating to see if they impact your well-being? I am on a mission to empower individuals to take control of their eating habits, which in turn allows them to take charge of their lives. Sign up for my weekly newsletter here for tips and updates about my FREE monthly support.

Section 1.1: The Science Behind Diet and Mental Health

Exploring how dietary choices directly affect mental health can provide valuable insights into personal well-being.

Subsection 1.1.1: Practical Strategies for Dietary Changes

Implementing small dietary adjustments can lead to significant improvements in mental health.

Chapter 2: Learning from Experience

This video explores the effects of diet on mental health, providing valuable insights into how what we eat can influence our emotional state.

This video delves into the relationship between food and mental health, highlighting the importance of mindful eating.