What should I try to eat?

It’s worth trying to eat more fish that contains omega-3 fish oils, like salmon, mackerel and tuna. Eating more fish that contains omega-3 may increase your well-being – there seems to be an inverse relationship between rates of depression and rates of seafood and fish consumption. It is important to recognise, however, that this does not work for everyone with mental illness. You can buy these fish fresh or already cooked in most supermarkets.

Other foods to keep in the house are:

• cans of baked beans,
• rice
• low fat milk
• tinned fish
• wholemeal bread and cereals

Eating these will make sure that you get lots of fibre, which keeps your bowel movements healthy and gives you lots of energy.

Most importantly, eat regularly – have at least 3 meals a day and healthy snacks, like nuts or fruit or vegetables if you feel hungry between meals. It might be a good idea to carry snacks like nuts or a banana so that if you’re not at home, you won’t be tempted to buy unhealthy food. If we don’t eat regularly, our bodies don’t have enough energy and we start to feel tired or depressed. Then we can start craving foods with lots of sugar or fat to try and rapidly increase our energy levels. Eating five fruits or vegetables per day should help to decrease these cravings.

If you feel that you need help in eating healthily, ask your GP or nurse about it. They may be able to refer you to a weight management group or dietitian or they may give you advice themselves. Download a nutritional summary table :What should I try to eat? (31 kb)

Or try Ainsley Harriott's seared salmon tagliatelle with sweet pea pesto!

• Tear the smoked mackerel into bitesize pieces.  Put in a bowl.
• Tear the lettuce into small pieces - add to the bowl.
• Chop the tomatoes, celery, cucumber and feta cheese (if using) and add.
• Pour over the olive oil and lemon juiice and mix together. Enjoy!