Ep. 65 The Food-Mood Link: Why Teens Feel Up, Down, and All Around

In this episode, I’m talking about something we don’t talk about enough—how food affects your mood. Teenagers often struggle with stress, low energy, and feeling down. But did you know that what you eat can play a big role in how your brain functions?I break down 5 powerful ways that food affects mental health, share key nutrients like folate, magnesium, and omega-3s that help your brain, and explain what foods to eat more of (and what to skip). Plus, I review a research study published in the American Journal of Public Health that shows just how connected food and mental health really are.O'Neil A, Quirk SE, Housden S, Brennan SL, Williams LJ, Pasco JA, Berk M, Jacka FN. Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Am J Public Health. 2014 Oct;104(10):e31-42. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302110. PMID: 25208008; PMCID: PMC4167107.This is a must-listen if you want to feel better, think more clearly, and understand how your food can fuel your brain!I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach. After helping hundreds of teens struggling with their weight and hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create habits that actually last.Here's what makes this different:✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame.✅ No more food fights between parents and teens.✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disordersBecause when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom!📲 Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly emails packed with easy tips, clinical insights, and practical tools🎁 Grab your FREE high-protein recipe guide with 30 meals teens will love.Links30 Healthy Recipes for teenslifestyleforteens.com/recipesSmoothies Recipes for teenslifestyleforteens.com/smoothiesSubscribe to my newsletterlifestyleforteens.com/newsletter