Which diet really makes you happy? The connection between food and emotional well-being

The diet should not only be healthy, but also enjoyable and socially rewarding (Illustrative Image Infobae)

The search for the diet ideal has been a constant in the lives of many people, but generally these processes do not usually find a balance between a healthy eating and one that really brings them happiness. Although there are numerous guides on nutrition that promote the longevity and physical well-being, a crucial question arises that does not always have a clear answer: what kind of feeding contributes to our happiness? The answer may vary for each individual, but the truth is that The relationship between what we eat and how we feel is undeniable. After all, a diet that is not only healthy, but also enjoyable and socially rewardingcould be the key to greater emotional well-being.

Social scientist and professor at Harvard Business School, Arthur C. Brooks, In his column in The Atlantic, “The Ultimate Happiness Diet” tries to answer these concerns and also highlights that Food has a social dimension that contributes to improving emotional state.

The expert, who hosts the podcast How to Build a Happy Life, cites research conducted in Asia showing that Happiness increases when people eat together in group settings, and pleasure is enhanced when memories of past meals are savored.This approach suggests that sharing meals in company and making them memorable increases our well-being.

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The impact of emotions on our diet is not always positive. A study by 2012 found that young women with depressive symptoms were a 130% more likely to overeat compared to those without depression. However, “The relationship between eating and emotions is generally benign”as shown by a 2013 study published in the journal Appetite.

A key component for a diet that promotes happiness is the regularity in meals. A study by 2016 conducted with students in Iran found that the happiest individuals were those who ate breakfast every day and maintained a total of three meals with one or two snacks in between. Although “This doesn’t suggest that snacking all day is a good strategy.”as he warns Brooks in his column, Yes, he supports the idea of maintaining a regular meal schedule.

Daily breakfast and a regular eating routine are linked to greater happiness (Shutterstock)

The importance of a varied and balanced diet is also highlighted. According to Ruut Veenhoven, Dutch happiness researcher, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and moderate in fats and oils is the one that offers higher levels of satisfaction in lifeDiets that include protein and fat are often linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression, while high carbohydrate intake is more associated with mood problems and elevated stress.

“New data on alcohol consumption do not support the idea that moderate drinking is beneficial for health”according to a systematic review of modern studies on alcohol and health. Recreational alcohol use can lead to a “low hedonic capacity” and long-term problems with mental and physical health.

As for fast food and desserts, the data is not encouraging either. The Atlantic points out that “Consumption of highly processed foods is associated with increased odds of psychological distress, especially in children and adolescents”Although eating sweets may have immediate benefits on mood, these effects are short-lived and refined sugar can be addictive, causing clinical anxiety when removed from the diet.

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Eating highly processed foods is associated with higher rates of psychological distress (Illustrative Image Infobae).

A model of diet and lifestyle that resonates with recommendations for happy eating is found in Spain. The typical Spanish diet, rich in protein and olive oil and moderate in carbohydrates and alcohol, is presented as an example to follow. Arthur C. Brooks notes that “meals are emphatically social events,” and Spaniards rarely eat alone.which is in line with findings suggesting that the social nature of meals improves well-being.

“In Spain, people certainly like food, but they don’t focus on it much—let alone express food cravings.”Brooks adds, comparing it to America’s food-centric culture.

While plant-rich diets are clearly important for health, there is less research on their effects on happiness, especially on completely vegan diets. Some studies, Brooks details, suggest that vegetarianism increases feelings of calmness, although it reduces enjoyment.

The Mediterranean diet in Spain, rich in protein and olive oil, promotes happiness

Regarding intermittent fasting diets, the author mentions that “Although intermittent fasting has no obvious impact on anxiety or mood, the practice appears to reduce depression scores.”

A balanced, diverse diet, rich in protein and healthy fats, with moderate alcohol consumption and low levels of carbohydrates and refined sugars, can promote happiness. It is essential to avoid obesity without resorting to extreme diets, and to prioritise meals with others.

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