Improving Your Mood by Improving Your Diet Is Possible. Here's How.

When it comes to your mood, the age-old saying "You are what you eat" holds a lot of weight. Have you ever noticed a correlation between what you consume and how your body reacts to it? While it's not exactly a simple process, it's something that can be managed and adjusted simply based on how you feel overall. Paying attention to your whole self — mentally, emotionally and physically — is essential when it comes to doing this. If you've noticed less pep in your step, poor quality of sleep or feelings of depression, fogginess or anxiety, now is a great time to take a closer look at your situation. Keep reading for ways you can improve your mood by improving your diet.

Start Your Day Off With the Right Fuel

You have probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day more times than you can count, and there's a good reason you have. Not only does breakfast fill the void after not eating for several hours, it also sets the foundation for a healthy, stable mood. The key is to eat and drink the right things in order to do that.

Did you know that starting your morning with a glass of water is a great way to get your body going? Not only does it stimulate blood flow throughout your body, it helps to flush toxins out. Try taking your first glass of water to the next level by supercharging it with nutrients from a supplement such as activated you morning complete. Follow up with a bowl of protein and nutrient-rich oatmeal with blueberries or banana, and you'll start your day feeling calm, cool and collected.

Take Care of Your Gut

Your digestive tract does a whole lot more than just process food and eliminate waste. Many people are surprised to learn that it's linked directly to their brain, sending signals for help during times of inflammation

or high levels of bad bacteria. While this might sound confusing or a bit out there, it can be surprisingly easy to control if you take the right steps.

Have you tried supplementing with probiotics or prbeiotics? These are good bacteria that essentially protect your digestive tract, warding off the bad bacteria that can cause so much trouble and drag you down. Both are readily available in supplements and foods, so all you need to do is a little research to familiarize yourself with how to use them. Yogurt is a great way to get your daily dose of probiotics, but pay attention to the ingredients. Many yogurts are packed with sugar, so check out the ingredients first. Prebiotics are also important for your gut health and you can find these in everyday foods. Your morning banana is a great source, and onions and garlic pack a powerful punch too.

Try New Things and Keep an Open Mind

For many people, dietary changes can be difficult, frustrating or even seem impossible. Whether it's due to old habits, picky tendencies or lack of knowledge, the struggle is real. However, that doesn't mean it can't be done and it's been proven that a simple, gradual approach will yield the best results. By now you know that smart choices (such as limiting processed and sugary items) will go a long way in improving your mood, so keep that in mind as you approach this next step.

The first thing you'll need to do is to set yourself up for success. This is a scenario where little changes here and there will make a big difference overall. For example, be mindful of the types of food and drink you bring into your house. If it's not in your pantry, your fridge or freezer, your chances of mindlessly snacking on it (or making a late-night trip to the kitchen) will drop significantly. Alternatively, have better-for-you snack options on hand, such as unsweetened dried fruit, nuts, good quality cheese and whole-grain crackers or pretzels. For mealtime, the same rules apply. Consider involving your partner or child(ren) in searching for new recipes and food preparation. Getting everyone involved is a great way to increase morale, add excitement and encourage personal connections as well.

Keeping an open mind when it comes to your diet will allow you to explore new foods and recipes than you ever have before. If you're a picky eater or have family members who are, you might shun this idea. But before you do, pay attention. There are ways to work through it. Be patient. It won't happen overnight, but if you're diligent and take note of even the smallest victories along the way, you'll gain momentum and end up cruising along.

Diet is a very personal thing. Everyone is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to it. However, one thing everyone does have in common is that what is consumed has a major impact on your overall health, how you feel and how you perform throughout the day. What's so encouraging about this is that there is so much research available. This will help you make sound decisions and improvements along the way. You also know your body better than anyone else, so don't forget to tune in. Listen to what your body is telling you. Don't be afraid to make changes. Stay consistent once you find something that works.