The Food and Mood Poem
The Food and Mood poem is available as a booklet. Click here.
Words by Amanda Geary, cartoons by Julian Howell.
Not to be reproduced without prior permission. Please contact us first.
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This poem tells what you can do To learn how food can change your mood It's based on science - and common sense - As well as self-help experience The goal is having more control Of what you eat and how you feel |
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Look at what you're habitually drinking And the quality of your thinking As liquid's needed for quick mentation But caffeine causes dehydration Avoid excess coffee, tea and cola And rehydrate with plenty of water |
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Colourings and flavourings can give a buzz But there's a price to pay and that's because These substances are toxic to the brain E-numbers or additives - they're just the same - So read the labels and decide to choose Smoothies, fruit and vegetable juice |
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Skipping breakfast will leave you low Anxious and irritable - others will know! As blood sugar dips your nerves will crave Stimulant fixes, biscuits and cake But foods that take a while to digest, Like oats and wholegrains, will serve you best |
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Some foods can make you intolerant Yet trigger foods are what you want Avoiding them can make things worse And finding culprits takes detective work The practical approach? To vary your treats Try new foods - and experiment! |
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Did you know that poor digestion Can give you mental constipation? A good-sized handful of veg or fruits Contains lots of phytonutrients And when you eat five healthy portions Each day, you'll head for happy (e)motions |
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The good-mood serotonin that's in your brain Depends on the food from which it came Meat and fish contain tryptophan (Eggs, beans and cheese if you're vegetarian) This chemical helps you think and feel And needs protein food - quality fuel |
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Poor concentration and feeling blue Is linked to the food that you consume Brain cells need oiling with essential fats In oily fish and seeds and nuts You need these oils several times each week To help your neurones communicate |
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So have you wondered if what you're eating Might affect how you are feeling If there is a real connection Worth some serious exploration? Mind and body are closely related They need good food, and to be respected! |
Text published in the cybermagazine Madelaine (Issue no. 5) http://www.madelaine.dome2.com and in Foods Matter (January 2006) http://www.foodsmatter.com
“In my research I came across your brilliant poem. I think it would be a wonderful teaching tool and would like to include it in the curriculum.”
Leisa J. Bageris, Curriculum Development, Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, USA.
“I have just come across your website and love the poem about 'food and mood'. I work for Bradford's Adoption and Fostering Unit and I write 2 quarterly newsletters to foster carers and Adopters. We are currently discussing food and children's perceptions of food as well as the carers own understanding. I think this poem is brilliant and would love to feature it in the newsletter."
Sarah Bebbington, Adoption and Fostering Marketing Officer, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, UK