In a world where we often seek dramatic solutions to our problems—my story might sound a little cheesy. Literally. You see, a humble piece of cheese didn’t swoop into my life like Merlin the wizard, waving a magic wand and vanquishing my Bipolar, Anxiety Disorders, Alcoholism and PTSD. Life, after all, isn’t a medieval fantasy epic. Instead, this dairy delight played a crucial role in a more practical, self-help approach found in my book called the “3 Food Rules of a Mental Health Warrior.”
The Cheese Chronicles Begin
Picture this: a regular Thursday afternoon, I’m staring at my refrigerator, contemplating my life choices and feeling the familiar weight of my mental health challenges. And there it was, shining like a beacon of hope—a piece of cheese. No, it didn’t speak to me (I wasn’t that far gone), but it did catch my eye in a way that made me consider its potential. Could this small, unassuming piece of cheese be more than just a topping for my cracker? Could this cheese actually help me manage my bipolar, anxiety disorders, and alcoholism?
The 3 Food Rules of a Mental Health Warrior
Before you think I’ve lost my marbles, let me explain the 3 Food Rules of a Mental Health Warrior, as outlined in my book. These rules are simple, yet they pack a powerful punch when it comes to improving mental health through diet. The magic isn’t in the cheese itself, but in how it fits into these rules:
Rule 1: Eat Low Carb Foods
Low-carb foods help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which is essential for mental health stability. Cheese, being naturally low in carbohydrates, fits perfectly into this rule. It provides a source of energy without the spikes and crashes associated with high-carb foods, which can exacerbate mood swings and anxiety.
Rule 2: No Sugar
Avoiding sugar is crucial for preventing the rollercoaster of energy highs and lows that can affect mood and overall mental health. Cheese contains virtually no sugar, making it an ideal snack for maintaining stable energy levels and reducing the risk of sugar-induced mood swings.
Rule 3: Choose Minimally Processed Foods
Minimally processed foods retain more nutrients and fewer additives, which can positively impact mental health. High-quality cheese, made from whole milk and without excessive processing, aligns with this rule. It offers essential nutrients that support brain function and overall well-being.
The Practical Magic of Cheese
So, how exactly did this piece of cheese save my life? Here’s the breakdown:
1. Stabilizing My Mood
As someone with bipolar disorder, mood swings are a familiar foe. The healthy fats and proteins in cheese provide a steady source of energy, preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes that can trigger mood episodes. When I started incorporating cheese into my snacks, I noticed fewer dramatic highs and lows throughout the day. Our friend cheese brought emotional stability to my day while being an awesome topping on any dish. Double Win!
2. Reducing Anxiety
Anxiety has a way of sneaking up on you, often fueled by erratic eating patterns and poor nutrition. By sticking to the 3 Food Rules and incorporating cheese, I found that my overall diet improved, leading to more stable blood sugar levels and reduced anxiety. It wasn’t an overnight miracle, but a gradual improvement that made a significant difference in my daily life. Cheese again showing its power, of both long term support and long lasting flavor for nachos.
3. Supporting Alcohol Recovery
Alcoholism is a beast of its own, often driven by a need to escape or self-medicate. Through better nutrition, I was able to reduce cravings and build a healthier relationship with food. Cheese, as part of a balanced diet, provided the satiety and pleasure I used to seek from alcohol without all the next day “what did I do” repercussions. It also became a symbol of my commitment to making better choices and reclaiming my health. Yes, that is a lot of power for a piece of cheese, but it rose to the challenge, just as we warriors can do.
Embracing the Warrior Within
The Mental Health Warrior Program is all about self-help/self-empowerment. It’s about recognizing that we have the power to make choices—choices that can lead to better mental health and a more fulfilling life. Cheese, in this context, became a symbol of my ability to choose wisely and take control of my well-being.
By following the 3 Food Rules of a Mental Health Warrior, I discovered a new way to manage my mental health. Each bite of cheese wasn’t just a snack; it was a step toward a more stable, healthier version of myself. It reinforced the idea that small, mindful choices could lead to significant improvements over time.
Celebrating the Heroic Cheese
Today, I pay homage to that piece of cheese as I place it on a cracker or melt it over some veggies. It saved my life, not through some grandiose act of magic, but by fitting seamlessly into a strategy that supports my mental health. It’s my hero, not just because it’s delicious, but because it represents the power of making conscious, positive choices.
The Cheesy Takeaway
In a world that often praises stoicism and emotional suppression, we must challenge the notion that being emotionless leads to a fulfilling life. Instead, embracing the full spectrum of emotions is the pathway to the full life experience. And the path to accomplish this is to step into your role as a mental health warrior today and begin embracing your emotions fully.
So next time you find yourself staring into the abyss of your refrigerator, remember that even the simplest foods can be part of a larger strategy to support your mental health. Embrace your inner Mental Health Warrior, and don’t underestimate the power of a piece of cheese. It might just save your life, too!
Bruce Schutter
Creator of Mental Health Warrior Program and Challenge Coin
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