Nutritional Psychology

Do Parents and Children Tend to Have Similar Eating Habits? When it comes to eating habits, the saying “like parent, like child” often holds true. From what lands on the dinner table to how snacks are chosen, children learn more about food from their parents than we might realize. But how deep does this connection go—and what does it mean for long-term health and well-being? The Psychology Behind Eating Habits In nutritional psychology , food choices are seen as more than just nutritional decisions; they’re reflections of emotions, learned behaviors, and social patterns. Children watch their parents closely—how they eat, what they eat, and even how they talk about food. If a parent skips breakfast, avoids certain foods, or uses food as a reward or comfort, kids often mirror those same behaviors without realizing it. This learned relationship with food becomes part of a child’s early emotional development, shaping not just their diet but their attitudes toward health, body image, an...

The Role of Diet in Suicide Prevention: What We Know About Dietary Fiber and Mental Well-Being Suicide remains one of the most heartbreaking outcomes of untreated mental health struggles. Behind every statistic is a human story — one of pain, isolation, or hopelessness that deserves empathy and understanding. While professional psychological and medical care are essential in suicide prevention, researchers are increasingly exploring another piece of the puzzle: the role of diet in supporting mental well-being . 🧠 Understanding Suicidal Ideation Suicidal ideation — or thinking about suicide — can range from fleeting thoughts of hopelessness to serious contemplation of self-harm. These thoughts often arise from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. While no single food or nutrient can “cure” such thoughts, the connection between nutrition and mental health is becoming too significant to ignore. 🥦 The Gut–Brain Connection Our gut and brain are in constant...

  Stages of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction: Understanding the Cycle We often think of addiction as something that only applies to substances like alcohol or drugs. Yet, modern research in nutritional psychology reveals that ultra-processed food addiction is a very real and growing concern. From sugary snacks to salty chips and fast food meals, these foods are designed to keep us coming back for more — not by accident, but by the science of taste, reward, and habit. Let’s explore the stages of ultra-processed food addiction and how recognizing them can help us reclaim control over our health and mind. 1. The Hook: Cravings and Emotional Triggers It usually starts small — a cookie after dinner, a soda during work, or a bag of chips to “unwind.” These foods create strong sensory and emotional connections. Their high sugar, salt, and fat content activates the dopamine reward system in the brain, giving a quick burst of pleasure. Over time, the brain starts linking these foods ...

  Sugar Intake and Its Effects on Mental and Physical Health We often think of sugar as a quick energy booster — that sweet treat after lunch, the soda in the afternoon, or the dessert that feels like comfort after a stressful day. But while sugar gives us that short-lived “feel-good” moment, its long-term effects on both mental and physical health are far more complex than many realize. Sugar and the Brain Sugar directly impacts our brain chemistry. When we consume sweets, our brain releases dopamine — the same chemical linked to reward and pleasure. This explains why sugar can feel addictive. But over time, the constant spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels can leave us feeling drained, anxious, or moody. Sugar and Mental Health Research shows that diets high in added sugars are associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. The rollercoaster effect of fluctuating blood sugar can worsen irritability, fatigue, and even stress responses. Many people don’t real...