Feeling Low and Not Quite Yourself?
Here's How Food Impacts Your Mood
Let’s talk about something we’ve all done at some point: standing in front of the pantry or fridge, looking for something—anything—that might lift us out of a funk. Maybe it’s a chocolate bar, a bag of chips, or that leftover pasta that’s somehow more comforting than anything else in the moment.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. And actually, there’s a reason we instinctively reach for certain foods when our mood dips. The link between food and mood is real—and stronger than most people realize.
But here's the thing: it’s not just about the occasional craving or emotional eating. The food we eat every single day plays a major role in how we feel, how we think, and how well we cope—especially as we move through different life phases, hormone shifts, or chronic stress.
If you’ve been feeling off—like your patience is thin, your energy is lagging, or your cravings are running the show—this post is for you. Let’s unpack what might be going on and what you can do about it.
When we talk about mood, most people think of emotions as being separate from the body. But the truth is, our mental and emotional well-being is deeply connected to our physical health. And food is one of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to support that connection.
Your brain, like every other organ, needs the right fuel to function well. That fuel comes from nutrients—vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbs. But it’s not just about the macros. It’s about the quality of those nutrients and how your body is processing them.
And here’s where it gets interesting: much of what impacts your mood starts in your gut. Yep—your gut isn’t just about digestion. It’s actually home to hundreds of millions of neurons and is responsible for producing about 90% of your serotonin (your feel-good chemical).
When your gut isn’t happy, your brain usually isn’t either.
You don’t need to feel full-on depressed or anxious to know something’s off. Here are a few subtle (but common) signs I see in clients all the time:
These are all clues. Your body is wise, and it’s always communicating with you. The trick is learning how to listen—and then respond in a way that’s actually helpful, not just reactive.
Let’s get into the good stuff. These are three of my favourite foundational strategies for boosting mood through food. They’re simple, doable, and surprisingly effective.
1. Add Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health. They help reduce inflammation (yes, even in the brain), improve communication between brain cells, and may even support the production of mood-regulating chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
Where to find them:
If you’re not a fish fan, no worries. A good-quality fish oil supplement (or algae-based one if you're plant-based) can help fill in the gaps.
2. Fuel with Fermented Foods
Your gut is full of bacteria—some beneficial, some not-so-much. When the good bacteria dominate, they help produce neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption. Fermented foods feed and support these good guys.
Try adding:
Start slow—especially if you’re not used to fermented foods. Even a tablespoon or two a day can be a great start for your gut and mood.
3. Balance Your Blood Sugar
If you only take one tip from this post, let it be this: balanced blood sugar = better mood. When your blood sugar spikes and crashes (from skipping meals or eating mostly refined carbs), your mood follows the same rollercoaster.
How to stay steady:
When your blood sugar is stable, you feel more emotionally stable too—less “hangry,” more focused, and more able to roll with the punches.
If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—especially if you’re juggling a high-stress lifestyle, working shift hours, or navigating hormone changes—it makes sense that your mood might feel a bit unpredictable right now.
This isn’t about blaming food for every tough day. But when your nutrition isn’t aligned with what your body needs, it’s a lot harder to feel good consistently.
And here’s the encouraging part: food is something you can change. You don’t need to overhaul everything or eat perfectly. Small shifts, done consistently, can lead to major improvements in how you feel—mentally and physically.
We talk about this a lot over on Instagram and Facebook—real-life tips, gut-friendly food swaps, mood-boosting meal ideas, and small, doable changes that actually stick. If you’re looking for daily inspiration and reminders that progress doesn’t have to be perfect, come join us there.
Let’s make the small stuff feel doable—and even a little fun.
At Harmony House Wellness, we specialize in helping people just like you—people who are trying their best but still feel off. We combine personalized nutrition, gut support, and homeopathy to address your symptoms at the root, not just the surface.
We’ll help you:
It’s not about strict rules or trendy diets. It’s about building a relationship with food that works with your body—not against it.
You don’t need another list of things to “try harder” at. You need real support that meets you where you are.
If you’re ready to feel better—physically, emotionally, and mentally—reach out. We’ll start with a conversation, not a prescription.
👉 Reach out and book a free intro call. Let’s see if working together feels like the right next step.
Christine Moran is a registered homeopath and holistic nutritionist with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Since founding Harmony House Wellness in 2011, she has helped clients understand their bodies’ unique needs, empowering them to make choices that support the prevention and management of metabolic and digestive disorders. Christine has a special passion for supporting individuals with non-traditional schedules, like shift workers, who face unique health challenges despite their best efforts. When she’s not working, she’s enjoying time with her kids, spoiling her grandkids, dancing to her favourite tunes, or savouring a slice of cheesecake.
Struggling with stubborn weight, low energy, or digestive discomfort? Let’s tackle it together! Book your free introduction today and discover a personalized path to feeling better.
