It is a well known fact that certain ailments come with food restrictions. These food restrictions are usually doctors orders¨. Such food restrictions may be for a short while, like in infections affecting vital organs, like the kidney, or for a lifetime in conditions like hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, etc. People usually absolutely loathe these food restrictions. Some of the foods restricted for the individual are things he or she had been eating for decades and love to eat. Now they probably have to eat foods they do not particularly like. The experience usually affects the psyche negatively.

The upper week, more about how food affects our mood psychologically and physiologically (a little recap is that Food intake affects mood due to biochemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. They can control mood, appetite, thoughts and behaviors. The most food sensitive neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine). Under proper professional supervision; all the foods which generate these neurotransmitters are present in food even under food restriction i.e. physiologically, a person under food restriction still has all his body requires. Food timing is also very critical.

All things being equal, the effect of food restriction on our mood is a psychological one. Dietary habits are the most difficult to change. Therefore, dietary management must be an ongoing process that seeks to improve compliance through continuous education and monitoring. There is a dearth of dietitians and nutritionists in Nigeria; as well as the poorrecognition given to the few available. This situation makes it difficult for people under food restriction to get the kind of professional management and guidance that they require.

Mood is intimately connected to feeding behaviour, which, in turn, impacts mood. Given that a fairly radical departure from normal feeding is resented by most people; they need to be encouraged to change their attitude to their new diet. You should hate the foods that are bad for your health and embrace the ones that are healthy.

A lot of these ailments actually result from decades of bad eating habits (probably with other predisposing factors). Ensuring a good mood and feeling positive about life requires a positive attitude about one’s food as well as careful planning when a person is on food restriction. You need to understand how the foods interact with neurotransmitters and combine them properly. Whilst the assistance of nutrition specialist is important, the person must also endeavour to get educated about his circumstances from proper sources and learn how to enjoy and be creative with food. If you look at grilled fish and lettuce as filled with nutrients for your good and see a bottle of soft drink or beer as a death threat; then you are well on your way to better mood.

Carbohydrates: I had explained that they are the number one feel good food. Diabetics and other people should eat carbohydrates that have a low glycaemic index (i.e. that are high in fibre, or combine them with fibre, e.g. rice and vegetable). This will ensure a gradual and even release of glucose into the blood. If you are prone to mood swings eating foods in their natural state is ideal. Good choices include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

Small regular meals are also better than three huge meals.
Water: Dehydration is a major factor affecting mood swings. Make sure that you drink enough water daily, whether you are on food restriction or not. The body needs at least three litres of water daily (two large Ragolis water bottle size). Also avoid substances that have a dehydrating effect like alcohol. The later and caffeine are a classical examples, as they are both diuretics that tend to dehydrate the body, as well as the fact that caffeine is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant.

I had visited an older relative who had just been placed on food restriction. She had a very defeatist attitude and complained that she was fed up with her new diet. The number one thing to do is to try to understand why those other foods are bad for you. After that, you should shut your mind against them and see them as enemies of progress. Thirdly try to understand the new types of food and embrace them warmly. Be imaginative in how you combine your food and how they are prepared. Develop a positive attitude towards the foods you now eat and your mood will become better. A very important thing is for you to get the right cooking implements.

It will reduce your stress and that of those who cook for you. Things, like a mini-grill are indispensable. Shredders and Graters for your salads are also important. In some instances, the new diet is so badly prepared that it is not appealing to the eater. It is a well known fact that healthy eating is the same for everybody. If you habitually wolfed down confectionery, sweetened soft drinks, ice-cream, beers and the like; what do you expect? As we get older; our body is not able to metabolise and clear away these things. We also tend to be less active - How many older people go to discos, night clubs and engage in the run around that teenagers and other youths do? It is very important to pick up a sport or exercise habit before middle age.

It will help to aerate not only your body but your mind. It will also help you to feel healthy and good about yourself. It is also never too late to start. It is all in the mind. You can adjust your mind to accept the things that you want to.