How Food Affects
Your Mood

Ever noticed the difference in how you feel after enjoying a fresh, wholesome meal compared to reaching for processed, sugary snacks? Turns out, there’s science behind it! 🧪

At ifeelgood, we reckon eating healthy should always feel like a joy, never a chore! Ditch the guilt, forget fad diets, and say goodbye to strict rules. It’s all about balance, nourishment, and feeling good every single day. 🙌

How Nutrition Boosts Your Mental Well-being

Research consistently highlights the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel. Diets packed with colourful fruits, vibrant veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats can lead to:

✅ Less stress and anxiety 😌
✅ Lower chances of feeling down 😊
✅ Sharper focus and clearer thinking 🧐

Here’s What the Experts Say…

🔬 A recent CSIRO study discovered 76% of Aussies eat more when bored and 55% when they’re feeling a bit down. So, emotional eating is totally normal—but definitely manageable! 🍽️

🔬 Monash Uni researchers found that your gut health has a direct impact on your mood. A happy gut helps balance neurotransmitters, improving mood and energy levels. 🥦

Say Goodbye to
Emotional Eating

When cravings kick in, instead of reaching for junk food, try these feel-good swaps:

Pro Tip: Keep these snacks handy to dodge unhealthy cravings when hunger hits! ⚡

No More Fad Diets—
Just Feel-Good Eating

Forget temporary diets—lasting habits make all the difference. Here’s your quick guide to lifelong healthy eating:

1. Choose Whole, Real Foods 🍠🥑
Swap restrictive diets for nourishing meals. Load your plate with veggies and fruits full of vitamins and antioxidants, pick whole grains like oats and brown rice for lasting energy, choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu, and welcome healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

2. Balance is Key ⚖️
Aim for balanced meals filled with carbs, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and plenty of hydration. It’s simple and delicious! 💦

3. Savour Every Bite 😋
Mindful eating is about enjoying your meals guilt-free. Slow down, appreciate the flavours, and use mealtimes to refresh and recharge. 🍽️

Simple Swaps for Healthier Snacking 🍌🥕

Eating well doesn’t mean giving up the treats you love—just tweak them slightly! But first, let’s bust some common nutrition myths:

❌ Myth: Eating fat makes you fat.
✅ Truth: Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) support metabolism and keep hunger at bay. 🥑

❌ Myth: Carbs are bad.
✅ Truth: Wholegrain carbs (brown rice, quinoa, oats) give your brain and muscles the energy they need. Just choose quality carbs over processed options. 🍞

❌ Myth: Avoid eating after 8 PM.
✅ Truth: It’s not when, but what and how much you eat. A balanced late-night snack won’t undo your efforts! 🌙

ifeelgood Approved Snacks 🍏🥜

Our amazing club managers and PTs recommend these tasty, energy-boosting snacks:

Pro Tip: Keep these snacks handy to dodge unhealthy cravings when hunger hits! ⚡

Mindful Eating for Lasting Success

Food isn’t just fuel—it’s joy, culture, and connection. A healthy relationship with food brings lasting positive change. Here’s how to eat mindfully and stress-free:

Listen to your body: Eat when you are hungry, stop when you are satisfied. 🤗
Ditch the guilt: Every food, even pizza, has its place! 🍕
Enjoy moderation: Treats won’t derail your goals. 🍫
Slow down: It takes your brain 20 minutes to realise you're full. ⏳
Avoid distractions: Turn off devices and tune into your meal. 📵
Appreciate your food: Enjoy flavours, textures, and where your food comes from. 🌱

Ready for real change? Start small:

Staying hydrated is non-negotiable for peak performance. Here’s how to do it right!

💧 Before Exercise: Sip water throughout the day and drink 500ml 2 hours before training.

🏋️‍♂️ During Exercise: Take small sips every 15-20 minutes (more if you’re sweating buckets!).

💦 After Exercise: Rehydrate based on sweat loss—electrolyte drinks can help after intense sessions.

💡 Hydration Hack: Struggle to drink enough water? Infuse it with lemon, cucumber, or berries for extra flavour! 🍋🍓

Feel Good,
Eat Well,
Live Better

At ifeelgood, we’re all about simple, sustainable, and enjoyable eating. Forget extreme diets—just real food, real balance, and feeling good every day! 🎉

Eat for energy. Love your meals. Take small, sustainable steps. 🌟
Because healthy eating is about progress, not perfection—let’s fuel our bodies, nourish our minds, and enjoy every delicious bite along the way! 😃