Wellbeing 

Lisa Devereaux

Learning Specialist/Wellbeing

Megan Franklyn 

Assistant Principal

The importance of NUTRITION and your MENTAL HEALTH

As we rocket towards the end of the year with jam-packed schedules, it’s important to make sure we are fueling our bodies - and our children’s - with a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Not only does this give our body the energy it needs to function, but it also plays a part in our mental health, including:

• Improving memory and concentration.
• Maintaining our immune system.
• Helping you have a good night’s rest. 

While we know there are more nutrient dense foods as well as those with less nutritional value, labelling foods as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ doesn’t mean we always choose to eat less of them - in fact, it can lead to binging and obsessive behaviours with food. 

Ways to develop a healthy relationship with food include:

• Listen to when your body is hungry - and eat - and stop when your body is full.
• Everything in moderation - there are no good and bad foods.
• Don’t let the opinions of others dictate what foods you and your family eat - do your research.
• Eat foods that your body feels good with.

Eating mindfully can also help you enjoy your food and be more aware of hunger cues. Choosing to eat meals as a family where practical and free of other distractions, you are more able to pay attention to the taste, texture and enjoyment of your meal.

Information adapted from:

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/eating-for-a-healthy-headspace/

https://beyou.edu.au/fact-sheets/wellbeing/nutrition-and-mental-health