Listen to your mother! Eating fruits and vegetables isn’t just good for your physical health, it’s good for your mental health, too. There is growing evidence that a diet high in “FV” — as researchers call “fruits and vegetables” — is linked to greater happiness and higher life satisfaction.
And better than an info-mercial, the results are almost instantaneous. A new study found that eating just a few more servings of FV a day can lift your mood and boost your psychological wellbeing in just two weeks. Yes, just two weeks. Participants reported an increase in motivation, vitality and flourishing. It’s the gift that keeps on giving — even after the study was over, people wanted to continue eating their FV because they felt so good.
Of note, being a nag and just reminding people to eat their fruits and vegetables because it will prevent heart disease is not enough. Make fruits and vegetables available and highlight how much better they will feel immediately.
I wish you all the best,
Dr. Samantha Boardman
