Food for Thought.

As 2022 marches towards us, I’m drinking more coffee to get through the shorter hours of sun and somehow a longer list of to-dos to close out the year. It’s easy to indulge in something sugary, like the quick burst from the peppermint bark your neighbor brought over, or the pumpkin spice latte that marks the holiday season. Yet when we indulge, we feel slightly energized, but then sluggish and somehow… still hungry? The real question is this: what is the impact of these foods not only on our bodies, but on our minds as well?

Here’s some food for thought: the foods we eat change the way we think when consuming information. Too much sugar, ultra-processed food, and caffeine alter the way we think — in the short term and the long term.

• Chew on this — What percentage of the adult diet comes from ultra-processed foods? (answer below)

Some of us still have decisions to make this year. Whether it’s business-related or holiday-specific, our end-of-year diets consisting of pie and champagne may be hindering us in these endeavors more than we think. Poor nutrition can lead to stress, fatigue, and other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

So as 2022 approaches and we make the age-old New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier, remember it’s never too late to start eating in a way that gives you the best possible chance to feel focused and sharp every day. And while you’re at it, now is a great time to re-evaluate your news diet as a family (though not at the dinner table).