Question: Is there a particular type of diet that is most protective of good mental health? Like paleo or meditaranean or fruitarian or whatever! I am willing to make dietary changes because I am in remission from depression and life is beautiful and I want to stay where I am but I am just overwhelmed and confused by all the information out there and nobody seems to agree on the same things!!!

Katie Brooks Says...:

You
are right!  It can be confusing out there.  Since there is a lot of
controversy surrounding diet, it is best to focus on what you are trying to
accomplish.  The fundamental rules are simple when you are eating to
"protect your mental health".  First and foremost, be kind to
yourself.  Serve your food with love and at appropriate times in the day.
 Everyone needs to eat to survive, so skipping meals can be agitating to
your mood.  Try not to get caught up in rule-bound eating.  

When
it comes to depression, foods that are colorful and aesthetically pleasing
naturally entice the senses. Take time to set up your plate, care for yourself,
and really sit down to mindfully eat your meal.  This sends the message
that you care for your nutritional health.  Sometimes it is helpful to eat foods that
remind you of joyful memories.  For instance, try out grandmas Christmas
fruit salad when you are feeling down.  Another idea might be to have bananas with peanut butter if your
best friend from childhood loved them.  Sights, sounds and smells can all
produce emotionally charged memories.

When
you think of food as fuel for your body you will automatically know what to
eat.  That being said, circle the outside of your local grocery store and
you will find whole foods.  Try to limit foods that are packaged or
processed.  Recent studies have shown that people who eat nutrient rich
whole foods are less likely to report feelings of depression than those who
regularly ate deserts, fried foods, processed meats, refined grains, and
high-fat dairy products.   Although organic foods tend to be more expensive, they also contain less harmful chemicals.  In addition, Fruits and vegetables, vitamin b
rich foods, and Omega-3 fatty acids have been specifically targeted as possibly
being more affective for prevention or reduction of depressive symptoms.  

Pay
attention to when you are actually hungry or just craving because of an
emotional need.  Whenever possible eat with others to reinforce social
interaction with pleasurable circumstances.  This can help reward social
interaction.  Good luck in your recovery.  Best thing to remember is
the skills that you have already acquired in recovery.  You are right...
life is beautiful... good for you!  If you need further detail regarding
diet I would suggest seeing a dietician in order to clear up confusion.