As mental well-being remains a top priority, more people are looking to their food and drink choices to help relieve stress, sharpen focus, and steady energy. But what foods and ingredients are best for supporting daily self-care and mental health? And how can intentional dining experiences help nourish the body and mind at the table and beyond?
Nutrient-Rich Foods to Support Mental Heath
With a greater awareness of mental health and well-being, many of our Parkhurst guests are seeking food and drinks to help support daily self-care. When considering a meal or snack, it is important to look beyond the food itself and pay close attention to the ingredients, nutrients, and overall health benefits the food items can provide.
Campus dietitian, Alicia Koloski, explained, “We often hear about ‘superfoods’ and how they can improve our health. No one food or even group of foods is a ‘superfood’ when it comes to our health. This dietitian’s advice: look into the why. It isn’t necessarily the food, but the nutrients the food is providing.”
Foods like dark leafy greens, salmon, berries, nuts, seeds, and fermented foods are packed with nutrients that nourish both the body and the mind. They can also support clarity, calm, and resilience while providing other mental health benefits.
Alicia continued, “That specific food isn’t the only source of those nutrients. Thank goodness nature doesn’t work that way or us humans would not have made it this far and the variety of world cuisines wouldn’t be so unique and delicious. What is rather ‘super’ is how all these foods, when consumed together throughout days, weeks, and months, allow our bodies to do their thing. When it comes to supporting your mental health, variety is key and do not forgot the importance of your food as well.”
Encouraging Mindful Eating and Enjoyment
In addition to designing menus that highlight nutrient-rich ingredients, the chefs and foodservice teams at Parkhurst are also creating dining environments that encourage more mindful eating and genuine enjoyment. This connection between food and mood helps to support holistic well-being.
Since true nourishment comes from variety, balance, and the joy of eating, it is important to consider how sharing meals, enjoying diverse flavors, and taking time to appreciate the colors and textures on your plate all contribute to a sense of satisfaction and balance. By transforming everyday eating into nourishment and connection, we can make mental wellness an integral part of the dining experience.
“Our mental health is a complex system that is influenced by a variety of factors. One way we can support our mental health is with food and nutrition.” – Alicia Koloski
Additionally, with programs like Well on Your Way, we can provide our guests with resources and educational opportunities to improve the way they look at their relationships with food, eating, and wellness.
Follow us on Instagram to discover nourishing meal options, pop up events, and more designed to help the physical, mental, and social well-being of our guests.
