Life gets busy, and grabbing fast food from a drive-thru can feel like the easiest choice. Some people say eating healthy costs too much. But research shows that healthy food can actually be cheaper when you think about all the long-term costs of eating lots of processed foods—like doctor visits and feeling tired or stressed.

Why What You Eat Matters—for Your Body and Your Mind
Your brain is like the engine of your body. It works all the time—even when you’re sleeping. Just like a car needs good fuel to run well, your brain needs good food to help your body work its best. Harvard Health says that when you eat foods with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it’s easier to handle stress, anxiety, and mood swings.

Food affects your mental health.
Your body makes something called serotonin. It helps control sleep, mood, pain, and hunger. But when you eat a lot of processed foods and sugary snacks—like in the typical Western Diet—your body doesn’t make as much serotonin. That can lead to problems with sleep, mood, and mental health.

Studies show that people who eat traditional diets, like the Mediterranean or Japanese Diet, have a 35% lower chance of having mental health issues. These diets include lots of vegetables, fruits, fish, and other healthy foods that give your brain the fuel it needs.

Keondra Harris, UMR Nurse Liaison, who supports the wellness of Carpenters and their families, adds: “The choices we make about food affect both our body and our mind. If someone is dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, what they eat matters. Our brain needs good nutrients to help us manage emotions. Eating fewer processed foods, sugary drinks and snacks, alcohol, and caffeine—and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and healthy fats—can help support mental health.”

How do I start?
Begin by noticing what you eat and how it makes you feel—not just right after, but the next day too. Many people feel better when they stop eating processed foods and sugar. It’s not always easy, especially during the holidays, but it’s worth it. You’ll feel stronger, healthier, and more balanced emotionally.

Even small changes can lead to big results over time.

We can help.
If you want help with your diet or any health-related issue, contact Keondra Harris, UMR Nurse Liaison and Wellness Coach for Carpenters Wellness Center.  She may be reached at Carpenters Wellness Center-St. Louis 314.955.9355.

For counseling support, reach out to Matthew Cauble, Behavioral Health Care Manager for the St Louis Carpenters Wellness Center at 314.955.2173.

If you want to talk to a counselor about anything you’re going through, call Mercy’s MAP at 800.413.8008 (Option #2). MAP offers free, private, short-term counseling for you and anyone who lives in your home.