During your divorce, you’re probably pressed for time. You have meetings with your Mississauga divorce lawyer, kids to shuttle back and forth to school and regular, everyday activities to keep up with. You might start feeling run-down (who wouldn’t?) and exhausted, even if you think you’re getting enough rest—so what gives?
Research suggests that making slight improvements in what you eat can make a huge difference in the way you feel. Health Canada outlines basic foods most people need to stay healthy, and it’s common knowledge that improving your diet will improve the way you feel. Your energy levels will go up, your outlook will improve and your body will be able to bounce back from setbacks more quickly.
Energy-Boosting Tips
Parents have probably scolded kids for missing breakfast since the beginning of time—and they’re right to do so. Skipping breakfast tells your metabolism that it needs to move sluggishly for the rest of the day, so even if you only have time for an apple, make sure you kick-start your day by eating.
Dehydration can drain the energy from your system, too. Your cells can’t excrete toxins or welcome nutrients if you’re running low on water. For every cup of coffee or can of soda you drink, make sure you’re downing eight ounces of water to replace what these diuretics steal.
Generally, fruits or veggies are the way to go when you need a quick pick-me-up. Whether you’re headed off to a meeting with your Mississauga divorce lawyer to discuss property division or you need to keep up with your kids on a rigorous hike, try snacking on something plant-based.
Mood Improvement through Food
While chocolate can do the trick for almost anyone, it’s not always the healthiest choice (although small amounts of dark chocolate can benefit your heart and other organs). Ice cream, cookies and other sugary snacks can make you happy, but the sugar rush is temporary and the pounds they donate to your physique can be tough to shed later.
The emotional aspects of your divorce might require you to find mood-improving foods that are actually healthy, like:
- Spinach. Spinach is packed with folate, and people who are deficient in folate may be more likely to suffer from depression. Folate is a B vitamin, which helps your brain produce serotonin; that’s a feel-good chemical we all need.
- Soy. Like turkey, soy contains high levels of tryptophan. It also ranks low on the glycemic index, and that means it gradually increases your energy level and doesn’t usually result in a crash later.
- Bananas and pineapple. Bananas and pineapple also contain tryptophan, so they’re a good bet when you need to cheer up a little. If a little ice cream manages to make its way into your bowl of bananas and pineapple, all the better… in moderation, of course.
Normal, Divorce-Related Feelings
It’s normal to experience ups and downs during your divorce. However, if you feel you might be experiencing depression, talk to your Mississauga divorce lawyer. He or she might be able refer you to a local professional who can help you feel more like yourself again.
