There's plenty of evidence that certain dietary habits can increase your susceptibility to depression and exacerbate your symptoms.  On the other hand, certain eating habits appear to have a protective affect on one's mental health and well-being. 

To promote optimal mental health and keep depression at bay, what should you be eating more of?  And what are the foods you should be limiting in your diet?

Can a  one day water fast provide any real benefit to you?  Absolutely!  A day of fasting gives your body a break from the work of dealing with incoming food.  This brief period of rest supports the body's natural capacity for repair, self-healing, and rejuvenation.  

Not eating for a day will also make you aware of just how great of a role food plays in your life.  As they refrain from eating for the day, many people discover that much of their eating has less to do with genuine hunger, and more to do with habit or emotional motivation, e.g.:  turning to food as a source of comfort.

It's well-known that counting calories is not the best strategy for losing weight and keeping it off in the long term.  However, it still helps to be calorie-aware, as this allows you to select nutrient-dense, low-calorie meals when planning your meals. 

These are the foods that will boost your health and help you manage your weight; you can eat them freely without worrying that they'll pack on the pounds.
 
Here are 5 nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods to work into your meal planning.

As people look for ways to take control of their health and wellness, dietary supplements are growing in popularity.  From eye health to gut health, supplements can serve as a valuable aid to help you achieve and maintain optimal health throughout your entire body.

Usually in the form of tablets or capsules, dietary supplements are nutritional substances that support proper functioning of all your body's systems and organs.  They may include vitamins, minerals, amino acids (the building blocks of protein) or herbal extracts. 

Interested in taking supplements to support and improve your own health?  Here's what you need to know to take them safely and get the most out of them.

You don't have to adopt a strict vegetarian or vegan diet to enjoy the benefits of plant-based foods.  You're probably (hopefully!) consuming some plant-based foods in your diet already, like fresh fruits and vegetables; beans, peas, and lentils; and various grains. 

These nutrient-packed foods all work to boost your health and well-being naturally.
 
Here are 10 changes you can look forward to when you start eating more fresh, plant-based foods.

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have used herbs and spices in meal preparation.  Along with adding wonderful flavours and aromas to common everyday foods, herbs and spices contain a wide range of healing and medicinal properties. 

Consuming herbs and spices is an excellent way to support your health naturally, bypassing the harmful side effects of conventional pharmaceutical medications.
 
The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the world's population depends on plants to treat common ailments.  Why not join the billions of people worldwide that are leveraging the power of herbs and spices to support their health and well-being?  Whether your preference is for some mild seasoning that subtly enhances your meal, or a stronger flavour that takes centre stage, there's an herb or spice that will appeal to your taste buds — here are 5 to consider. 

One of the great things about the human body is that it is an excellent communicator.  As you eat, drink, move, and engage with the world around you, your body responds.  If something isn't quite right, your body will find a way, whether subtly or dramatically, to let you know about it. 

This is excellent news, as it provides you with an opportunity to assess what is happening and make changes to improve the situation. 
 
One of the areas where your body sends clear, unmistakable messages to you is pertaining to your diet.  Here are 5 ways your body will let you know that your current diet isn't working for you and needs some changes.

There can be a lot of conflicting information when it comes to diet and nutrition, but there's one thing everyone agrees on:  leafy green vegetables are good for you, and the vast majority of us would benefit from getting more of these powerhouse, nutrient-packed foods in our daily diet. 

Leafy greens (e.g.:  spinach, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, etc.) provide a wide array of nutritional benefits.   These vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrient, polyphenols, antioxidants, and fibre. In short, they have all the good stuff your body needs for health and vitality.  And leafy greens are typically low in calories, so they're ideal for anyone trying to manage their weight. 

Given all the myths and misconceptions about healthy eating, it's no surprise people often feel apprehensive about trying to eat more healthfully.  If you think you need to resort to extreme measures and overhaul your entire diet overnight, that can feel overwhelming and intimidating, making it hard to even get started. 

And if you're anticipating that you'll need to cut out all your favourite foods or follow a set of rigid food rules, that's not very motivating or appealing.

In reality, healthy eating isn't a set of one-size-fits-all rules.  It doesn't have to be extreme in any way, and it can be adapted to any lifestyle.  And it can be enjoyable!  It's also much easier than you think and well within reach, regardless of your current eating habits and preferences. 

Let's clear up 5 common misconceptions about healthy eating that hold people back from making changes.

The Christmas season offers a great opportunity for fun, festivities, and family, but the holidays can also leave you feeling tired and worn out as you head into the New Year.  January 24th is considered the most depressing day of the year, but the entire month of January can be hard to get through if you're feeling low, sluggish, and burned out.
 
The following tips will help you stay on track throughout the holidays, so you can be at your best and truly enjoy the season—without crashing afterwards.