Food and Mood
We hear lots about healthy eating and getting your 5 a Day - 5 portions of fruit and veg - and having a healthy balanced diet... BUT did you know that:
Food can have an effect on how you are feeling.
Food plays an important part in keeping you healthy, if you eat a balanced, healthy diet you are more likely to get all the nutrients your body needs to function properly, plus there are certain nutrients that can help you feel less irritable, tired, lacking in energy and feeling low.
Eat a rainbow
The Eatwell Guide - a really good way to think about heathier eating
Larger view / download pdf of the Eatwell Guide
It can be hard to keep a healthy diet. Especially when there's a temptation to eat sweets and junk food. But it's important to get a balance in your diet of the right amount of each food group.
Have a look at this interactive version of the Eatwell Guide.
Drinks
A balanced diet also includes drinks. Your body needs to stay hydrated to keep healthy. But think about what you drink. Caffeine and sugary drinks:
- can cause mood swings
- affect your energy levels, feeling full of energy before a "sugar low" where you may feel tired and grumpy
- can make you put on weight if you have too much sugar
- can give you trouble sleeping if you have them at night.
It's best to drink water and natural juices which don't have loads of sugar.
Energy Drinks - The Facts
Energy drinks can seem like a good idea, some people think they look cool drinking them. Other people think that they can help if you tired or not getting enough sleep. Some people just like the taste.
But do you know the facts?
Energy drinks contain really high levels of caffeine and sugar.
Energy drinks can affect your wellbeing such as:
- Feeling sick - being sick, stomach aches and diarrhoea
- Anxiety - panic attacks, feeling your heart pounding or having an irregular heartbeat
- Headaches and lack of concentration
- Not being able to get enough sleep (insomnia) - so it seems daft to use them because you're tired - as they can affect your sleep and make you even more tired.
- Tooth decay
- Increase in weight
Health experts have been worried about young people and energy drinks for a long time and have been calling for them to be banned from sale to under 16s. In September 2025 the ban has just been announced by the government.
Energy drinks aren't really helpful if you're feeling tired (check our sleep tips if you are struggling with sleep). Energy drinks can affect your focus and concentration in school - which will affect learning (and might mean you get into trouble as well) - better ways to boost your energy for the school day include eating well - having breakfast and taking healthier snacks / packed lunches. Plus drinking lots of...
...Water!!!!!
