Employee Wellbeing: The Effect What We Eat Has On Our Mood

The old adage “you are what you eat” may be more accurate than many people realise. The food we eat has a significant impact on our physical health, but it also has a significant impact on our mental and emotional health too. What we eat can affect our mood and energy levels, which, in turn, can impact our overall wellbeing. As such, it is important for organisations to provide employees with nutrition resources and employee wellbeing services that promote healthy eating habits.

Research has shown that certain foods can affect our mood positively or negatively, thanks to our highly sophisticated mind-body connection. Foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar (glucose) levels, followed by a crash, which can leave us feeling tired, irritable, and moody. Conversely, foods high in protein and healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, and avocados, can help to stabilise blood glucose levels and provide sustained energy, leaving us feeling more alert and focused.

By providing employees access to a variety of nutrition resources, such as healthy recipe inspo and dietary guidelines, organisations can help employees make healthier food choices that can improve their mood and overall wellbeing. Additionally, organisations can offer employee wellbeing technology, such as access to a corporate wellbeing app, that can provide personalised nutrition advice and track employees’ progress towards their health and wellness goals.

In addition to improving mood and energy levels, healthy eating habits can also have a positive impact on employee wellbeing more broadly. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, which can lead to fewer sick days and lower healthcare costs for both employees and employers.

The food we eat has a significant impact on our mood and overall wellbeing courtesy of our intricate gut-brain axis. This demonstrates the power of the mind-body connection and emphasises an area of our health we can manage, with support from our family, friends and workplace. If organisations can provide evidence-based nutrition resources, practical tools and awareness education, employees make healthier food choices, which directly impacts mood, energy levels, and overall health. 

At zeno we offer a range of CPD-accredited seminars, workshops and training days that focus on the four pillars of wellbeing, including nutrition. Get in touch today to find out more.