Diet, Mood, and Well-Being (Child and Adolescent)

The CNP Diet, Mood, and Well-Being Research Category consolidates research exploring the interdependent relationship between dietary intake and moods, feelings, and affect in children. To view each original study on the open internet, click “Original.” To view the CNP-written abstract summary, click “CNP Summary.” While only some of the CNP-written abstract summaries are available below for free, all abstract summaries are available to CNP members through the CNP Library Membership.

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FEATURED CNP RESEARCH SUMMARY

On carrots and curiosity: eating fruit and vegetables is associated with greater flourishing in daily life

This was a correlational study that aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and our “eudaemonic” state (which is a mental state that relates to happiness and includes feelings of curiosity, creativity, happiness, engagement, and purpose). The study had 405 young adults complete an internet diary for 13 days which recorded their mood (positive or negative), and the amount of fruit, vegetables, and less nutrient-dense foods they consumed (i.e., chips and sweets). A significant relationship between eating fruits and vegetables and higher eudaemonic well-being was found. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge that helps us understand the relationship between diet and mental health which is not only created by lack of disease, but also by the presence of well-being.

RESEARCH SUMMARIES

Positive effects of a healthy snack (fruit) versus an unhealthy snack (chocolate/crisps) on subjective reports of mental and physical health: a preliminary intervention study

Food and mood: diet quality is inversely associated with depressive symptoms in female university students