We are what we eat

Both healthy and unhealthy food can impact how we feel throughout the day

Valentine’s Day may be over but we’re still in the middle of February which happens to be American Heart Month.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The very serious condition can be prevented or managed by making healthier choices such as choosing nutritious meals to eat.

Not only does eating healthy help with heart disease but it can also be a mood booster just like eating unhealthy can contribute to depression or the winter blues. Courtney Schoepe, a registered dietitian and in-store nutritionist at the Giant Food Store in Havertown, shared how and why food affects the mood. Answers have been edited for clarity.

WE ARE WHAT WE EAT Q: A: CHOOSE WHOLE GRAINS & LEAN PROTEINS Q:

Fish is a really great lean protein choice especially our fatty fish like salmon because it has omega 3 fatty acids in them. One of the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids is it helps to decrease depression in addition it provides heart healthy benefits. Consuming enough omega 3 fatty acids can lead to less inflammation in our body. Incorporating fatty fish or fish in general at least twice a week should be a minimum goal. I like to see people do it three times a week but I know it’s a stretch for a lot of people. If people aren’t fish eaters, they could get their omega 3 fatty acids through flaxseeds or walnuts.

WHEN YOU EAT CAN ALSO AFFECT YOUR MOOD Q:

every three or four hours then your body works better. Our bodies like to work like machines. It works better on a clockwork schedule as opposed to erratic behavior. If you’re able to eat in a regular pattern then it can contribute to you feeling better which can make you less irritable.

SMALL AND FREQUENT IS THE WAY TO GO Q: MENTAL & PHYSICAL HEALTH ARE CONNECTED Q: BE HAPPY, EAT HEALTHY

“The bottom line is to eat a balanced healthy diet incorporating all five of the food groups. Color is key in the fruits and vegetables goals especially in the winter months. It’s also important to make sure we are eating often enough to give our bodies the chance to function properly,” Schoepe said.

For more about Giant Food Stores including their healthy ideas shelf tag program, visit the website giantfoodstores.com. For more healthy living stories including recipes, visit the Fit for Life website www. pottsmercfit4life.com.

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO Why is it recommended that people eat every three to four hours for best health and best mood? A: It’s important for keeping our metabolism up. It keeps you blood sugar stable. It keeps your food coming in small, frequent amounts. Whenever you overload...

DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA FILE PHOTO David Ryle hands plates of fresh greens to his smiling wife Wendy during a harvest dinner held out in the field at their home. Eating healthy foods such as vegetables can lead to more positive feelings.