The Connection Between Physical & Mental Health and the Need For Healthy Ready Made Meals
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada, all thanks to the Canadian Mental Health Association. For 31 days, organizations across the country hold events and share resources to normalize the conversation around mental health, reducing the stigma that was previously associated with it. In honour of this, we wanted to discuss the link between physical and mental health, and the role of nutrition in this relationship.
The Body-Mind Connection
We get it – we’ve all been there when you get through most of your workday to find you haven’t eaten. You feel depleted, on edge, maybe even tired. As you might imagine, skipping meals or relying solely on processed food can have a significant impact on our overall well-being. Yep, that means how we’re feeling physically, but mentally, it’s taking a toll as well. Your serotonin levels drop, and the mind begins to spiral. Serotonin is known as the key neurotransmitter responsible for stabilizing mood and feelings of well-being. In the body, the intake of tryptophan triggers serotonin production, meaning eating tryptophan-rich foods can help improve your overall we;ll-being – think meats, fish, dairy, soy products, and certain seeds
In addition to this, there’s a laundry list full of great ingredients that can help benefit your body’s primary functions. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids are known for reducing neurological inflammation. Complex carbs can stabilize blood sugar and mood. Lean proteins can help to fuel neurotransmitter production. The challenge? When we’re stressed and overwhelmed, eating well is often the first thing to slip. This is why we created Fit Kitchen – so you have readily accessible healthy ready made meals designed for your lifestyle, no matter what that looks like. Below are three meals that we love for strengthening that brain-body connection.
True North Salmon
Our in-house Dietitian Giulia has brought this one up before because of its benefits for brain health (see her video here), but we’re bringing it back around this month! This one is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids which are linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. The pickled carrot and cabbage slaw also adds gut-nourishing prebiotics, supporting that ever-important gut-brain connection. A little can go a long way!
Bangkok Green Curry
One large portion of our Bangkok Green Curry can deliver 100% of your daily Vitamin C needs. Today, we’re spotlighting Vitamin C as a powerful antioxidant that supports your adrenal glands and helps regulate cortisol, your primary stress hormone. For those of you who are putting in long hours at work or going from activity to activity, this meal will help support you during the busiest of days.
Chimichurri Beef
Extremely high in Vitamin K, our Chimichurri Beef is effective in supporting cognitive health and brain function. Our well-sourced lean beef delivers iron and zinc to your system, two minerals commonly depleted during periods of burnout and low mood. If you’ve been feeling the brain fog lately, this one will help get you back up to speed, aligned with your health and wellness goals.
There’s a lot that goes into maintaining your physical and mental health, and nutrition is just one component of this – however, a very important component. One great meal per day can help tremendously in boosting your mood and confidence, allowing you to better tackle your goals and whatever your day throws at you (or whatever competition you’re tackling!). To better help you on this journey, we recently built out our Results-Based Meal Bundles – intentionally curated ready made meal bundles tailored to your needs, ranging from high protein, to weight loss, anti-inflammation, and women’s health. You can check out our options here.