Tuesday, December 3, 2013

How can I go about changing my diet? (By mind.org.uk)


http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/food-and-mood/changing-diet-and-getting-help/#.Up1A-Xgayc0

Changing diet and getting help

-------------

How can I go about changing my diet?

===================

It's probably a lot easier if you start by making changes slowly, one at a time, and just for a trial period. Changing what you eat takes a bit of effort and time; trying out new and different foods may mean you need to shop in new places. Hopefully, you will enjoy making these changes and find them to be a positive experience. Smaller changes, introduced one at a time, are easier to manage and keep up, should you find them beneficial.

If you make more than one change at a time, then you won't be able to tell what is having an effect. Some changes may even be unnecessary, although you won't know until you try. This step-by-step approach can be broadened out later, and keeping a food and mood diary may be helpful.

Sometimes, a change to the diet produces some unpleasant side effects, for the first few days only. If people suddenly stop drinking coffee, for instance, they may get withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, which then begin to clear up after a few days, when they start to feel much better.

Symptoms such as these can be reduced if you cut down gradually, rather as if you were weaning yourself from a drug. There are, necessarily, some costs associated with making changes to what you eat, but these can be rewarded by significant benefits to mental and physical health.

No comments: