Health

Skipping meals can deteriorate your mental health

When you're too busy to eat, your mental and physical health may pay the price. Here's why skipping meals is bad for your mind and body.

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It might seem like a harmless thing, but it can take a heavy toll on your brain

You should not be skipping meals: read on to learn why. Source: Canva.

Unintentionally skipping meals is not an uncommon thing. Sometimes the day gets away from us, and we don’t remember to sit down and have a proper lunch.

Sometimes, we want to lose a little weight and sacrifice breakfast in the process.

Whatever the reason may be, skipping meals can do more harm than good to our bodies and minds.

Below, we’ll discuss why not eating when you should can impact your mental health and overall wellbeing.

happy woman holding orange slices

Foods that make you happy – according to science!

Do you know which foods make you happy? Here's a list of the best happiness-inducing eats, perfect for putting a smile on your face when you’re feeling a bit down.

How do skipping meals affect your mental health?

No matter how healthy your diet is, if you’re skipping meals, you’re not doing yourself any favors.

Not eating properly can have a negative impact on your mental health, and it can be especially harmful if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression

Keep reading to learn more about how skipping meals can affect your mood, and learn some tips for avoiding this unhealthy habit.

Skipping meals can affect your mood

Skipping meals can have a negative impact on your mood. When you skip meals, your blood sugar level drops and your body is forced to burn stored fat for energy.

This process releases chemicals in the brain that can cause depression, irritability, and fatigue.

Your body also needs the nutrients found in food to help produce hormones – such as serotonin – that are involved in regulating mood.

When you don’t get enough of these essential nutrients, it can lead to a decrease in your overall mood.

Eating regular meals helps to keep your blood sugar level stable and gives your body the fuel it needs for healthy brain function and positive emotions.

So skipping meals is not only bad for your physical health but can also lead to a decrease in your emotional wellbeing. 

It affects your concentration

Make sure to eat every meal and keep your mind and body healthier. Source: Canva.

Skipping meals can have a detrimental effect on your ability to focus and concentrate. Not only does it leave you feeling foggy or tired, it can also lead to reduced brain activity.

Studies have shown that skipping meals can decrease blood sugar levels, leading to decreased alertness, slower reaction times and difficulty in focusing on tasks.

This can have a negative impact on productivity, creativity and overall mental performance.

So if you are not eating in order to lose weight or save time, it’s important to be aware of the consequences it may have on your brain power.

Eating regular, balanced meals is essential for optimal cognitive performance.

Not only will you be able to stay focused throughout the day, but you’ll also be giving your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. 

Skipping meals increase anxiety and depression

Skipping meals is a common habit that people adopt when they simply have a busy day.

But this could have an adverse effect on your mental health. Studies have shown that skipping meals can lead to increased anxiety and depression symptoms.

This is because when you skip meals, your serotonin levels drop, which can interfere with your mood and energy levels.

Additionally, skipping meals can cause blood sugar levels to drop, leading to irritability and mood swings.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that you are eating regularly in order to maintain a healthy mental state.

It can increase the chances of an eating disorder

Skipping meals is a common problem, especially among teens and young adults.

Unfortunately, doing so intentionally can lead to eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

If left unchecked, these conditions can cause serious health complications. 

Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting enough nutrition by eating regular meals throughout the day.

If skipping meals becomes a regular habit, it’s best to speak to your doctor or a mental health professional in order to get help and prevent the development of an eating disorder. 

Tips to keep you from skipping meals

Make a plan and organize your schedule so you don’t miss any meals. Source: Canva.

Keeping a schedule for your meals is not an easy task, especially if you’re a busy person.

However, it’s important to prioritize your health and understand that your body and mind needs nutrients in order to function. 

Below, you’ll find some easy tips to help you avoid skipping meals and experiencing all the bad side-effects that come with it. 

Plan your meals in advance

The best way to avoid skipping meals is to plan ahead. It may seem like a simple task, but it can make all the difference in maintaining your energy levels.

This will also avoid feelings of hunger when mealtime comes around.

Planning meals in advance can help ensure that you have a variety of healthy options available throughout the day.

Consider setting aside some time at the beginning of each week to look at your schedule for the next few days and make a plan for meals that you can prepare ahead of time or grab on-the-go. 

Have healthy snacks close by

One way to avoid skipping meals is to keep healthy snacks around so that you have something to eat if you’re feeling hungry or don’t have time to make a meal.

Some good options include nuts and seeds, fruit, low-fat yogurt, and granola bars.

Use your phone’s alarm

Setting a timer on your phone is a great way to ensure that you don’t skip meals.

It’s easy to forget or push off meal times when you’re busy or overwhelmed, but setting a timer can help keep you on track with your eating schedule and make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

You can also set reminders for snacks if you find yourself skipping those as well.

It’s important to give your body the nourishment it needs, so make sure you take time for meals and snacks throughout the day.

Make it simple

To avoid skipping meals, make them simple! This means skipping the long list of ingredients and opting for easy-to-prepare recipes with fewer components.

Try using one or two proteins, fresh vegetables, grains, or starches to create a balanced meal.

If you don’t have time to cook, try creating meals ahead of time and freezing them for later in the week.

Think of cooking as a fun activity

When skipping meals becomes a habit, it can be difficult to break out of the cycle.

Fortunately, making cooking fun can help you stay motivated to prepare healthy meals and avoid skipping them altogether.

Experiment with different recipes and ingredients. Try creating dishes that are creative and exciting – it’s a great way to stay engaged with the process.

You can also invite friends over to help cook and enjoy a meal together.

Set up an inspiring kitchen workspace. Stock your kitchen with colorful ingredients and use decorative plates, bowls and utensils for a bright and inviting atmosphere.

And finally, listen to music or podcasts while you cook. This can help make meal prep more enjoyable and entertaining. 

What are the best foods for brain health?

As we age, it’s more important than ever to take care of our brains. Luckily, there are plenty of foods that can help keep our minds sharp.

Check out the following link for a list of the best foods for brain health!

foods brain health

What are the best foods for brain health?

Eating the right foods is essential for maintaining your mental clarity and preventing cognitive decline, as well as a series of other benefits.

About the author  /  Aline Barbosa

Aline Barbosa is an editor, writer and learning-enthusiast. Passionate about music, books and human behavior. Curious about the unknown. Believer that learning is a life-long process.

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