Healthy Diet, Healthy Mind: Here Are the 10 Best Foods to Eat for Your Mental Health

Learning about the connection between what we eat and how we feel can transform the way we understand our mental health. The link between diet and mental health, underpinned by the gut-brain axis, means what we eat can shape our moods, anxiety levels, and even susceptibility to depression.

In this post, the nutrition experts behind Superfit Foods, Florida’s leading healthy meal prep delivery service, will outline their science-backed list of the top foods for depression and foods that help with anxiety and provide an introduction to the topic of healthy eating for mental health.

What to Eat When You’re Depressed or Stressed

1. Salmon

Salmon is naturally packed with omega-3 fatty acids that improve brain function. As a result, this healthy fish can boost your mood and combat inflammation, making it one of the best foods for depression.

2. Oats

Oats are brimming with fiber, one of the key ingredients in helping to ensure a healthy gut microbiome, thus supporting a positive mood and a resilient mind.

3. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate isn't just delicious. Its potent antioxidants protect the brain from damage, and it’s been proven to lift spirits by providing a dopamine boost.

4. Berries

Berries have long been recognised as a superfood for mental and physical health. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, any healthy diet should include them.

5. Green Tea

Despite its simple flavor, green tea is rich with antioxidants and mood-enhancing L-theanine. Prepared in less than five minutes, this mental health helper promotes relaxation and combats anxiety, making it ideal for when you’re feeling overwhelmed and short on time or energy. 

6. Nuts

Nuts, packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, are one of the best foods for anxiety and your overall mental health.

7. Seeds

Like nuts, seeds are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and mood-supporting nutrients like magnesium and zinc. That makes them one of the best food groups to eat for mental health.

8. Probiotic Yogurt

Because probiotic or ‘live’ yogurt contains live bacteria, it fosters a healthy gut microbiome, an essential aspect of managing anxiety and depression. Vegan probiotic yogurts are also available. 

9. Kimchi

This fermented food is a staple of the Korean diet. It contains abundant probiotics and thus promotes gut health and a happier, more balanced mood.

10. Tempeh

As a great source of protein and fiber, tempeh is one of the top foods to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

These foods aren't just foods that make you happy to eat; they actively support a healthy gut-brain axis, which is critical for mental health and brain function. However, this top ten is just the starting point to healthy eating for mental health.

Following the best diet for stress and depression means making sure you consume ample foods that help depression and anxiety – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit processed foods to a minimum. Remember, every positive dietary step is a step towards better mental health.

Support With Healthy Eating for Mental Health

At Superfit Foods, we understand that while this is easy to talk about, it can be hard to make lifestyle changes such as beginning meal prep for depression when you’re dealing with mental health issues. It can be especially hard to cook at these times, which makes it easy to fall back into eating unhealthy foods that make depression worse or exacerbate anxiety.

Our fresh and healthy meal delivery service in Florida is designed to help you improve your diet without the stress of cooking a brand-new daily meal plan. Our menu caters to diverse dietary preferences, including vegetarian meals, vegan, keto, and gluten-free options. Each bite we deliver is ready to heat and eat, and mindfully curated for your well-being.