017 - Can Your Diet Affect Your Mental Health? The Link Between Protein, Processed Meat & Anxiety
A study of 637 adults aged 50+ found that what you eat may influence your mental health.
Higher lean protein & fruit intake = fewer days with depression & anxiety.
More processed meat = increased anxiety.
Rural adults ate more processed meat & reported more days of mental health struggles.
Tactical Fixes: How to Improve Mental Health Through Diet
1. Increase Lean Protein Intake
Prioritize poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy over processed meats.
Swap bacon, sausages, and deli meats for healthier alternatives.
2. Eat More Fruit for Mood & Mental Clarity
Daily fruit intake = fewer depression & anxiety symptoms.
Choose fresh, frozen, or dried fruit for easy access.
3. Improve Food Access in Rural Areas
Support local markets & grocery distribution efforts to bring healthier options closer.
Community nutrition programs can help educate and provide resources.
Thick Necks, Sharp Minds, No Weak Links
A strong body is nothing without a strong mind.
A bad diet doesn’t just affect your waistline—it affects how you think, feel, and perform.
And if we’re not taking nutrition’s role in mental health seriously, we’re leaving an easy win on the table.
Fuel your brain like you fuel your body.
The quality of your food = the quality of your mind.
Mental resilience starts on your plate.
A thick neck and a weak mindset don’t belong in the same body.
Eat for strength. Stay Thick.
Johnson NR, Stastny SN, Garden-Robinson J. Intakes of Lean Proteins and Processed Meats and Differences in Mental Health between Rural and Metro Adults 50 Years and Older. Nutrients. 2024;16(18):3056. Published 2024 Sep 11. doi:10.3390/nu16183056