Welcome to the Center for Disease Prevention Research's new monthly newsletter, Healthy Living! This newsletter will highlight pertinent evidence-based topics related to living a healthy lifestyle.

-Stuart Wong, MD; Director, Center for Disease Prevention Research 

What you eat affects your body and your mood

What are those comfort foods you turn to when feeling stressed or upset? Many people turn to something sweet (e.g., candy, ice cream, pastries) or that provide quick energy (e.g., coffee or soda with caffeine). While those may temporarily change how a person feels, they often do not have lasting positive effects. Did you know that over the long-term, foods that contain added sugar or sugar substitutes or refined carbohydrates (e.g., crackers, chips, or cookies) can worsen your physical and mental health? It's important to know how what you eat affects your brain and body, and influences how you feel physically and emotionally. Read this article to learn more about those foods that put us in a good mood and those foods that keep us in a good mood - so you can make the healthy choice to stay well! 

Connecting the dots between what you eat and how you feel can seem tricky

The Food and Mood: A self help guide  and Live Well Food & Feelings One-Day Journal are great resources to help you track what you eat and how it connects to your mood. Use one or both guides to help you find out what to eat to feel better! The American Heart Association also has a handy video that reviews 4 foods that can help boost your mood. 

Whole-food plant-based inspiration 

The feel good plant-based queen, Tabitha Brown, has a multitude of delicious recipes. Try her plant-based takes on some of America's favorite foods, tacos and pizza!