Starvation related to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa can lead to a plethora of physical consequences including—but not limited to--fatigue, lack of concentration, heart problems and death. However, even restrictive dieting which may not be the result of an eating disorder (such as fad dieting, detox diets) can have a critical effect on concentration and mood, cites an article from Healthy Weight Journal (Garner 1998). Being that restrictive dieting requires a more limited intake of calories and—often—eliminating certain nutrients completely, certain effects of anorexia can also be applicable to restrictive and fad dieters; weakness and fatigue, mood changes, depression and anxiety can occur as a result of “generalized bad eating habits…vitamin and mineral deficiencies…malnutrition,” among other issues says Something Fishy.
High School and College students are at the greatest risk for developing eating disorders (although the age for weight concerns and dieting has sadly become younger and younger in recent years) and practicing restrictive dieting behaviors. Being that high school and even early college are times of great physical and mental develop (the cerebellum located in the back of the brain actually does not finish full development until roughly around the age of 25), proper nutrition is an integral element of school performance. Being that preparing for college and the actual workload given to students once they reach a University can be a source of peak stress within itself, students need the energy and nourishment which comes from a balanced, healthful diet. Here are some tips on ways to keep mood and concentration at its highest functioning for the school year:
Always eat breakfast and don’t wait too long in between meals
“Want to go get something to eat?”
“Ugh, yes! I haven’t eaten all day—I’m starving!” This popular exchange among students (and busybodies in general) is not indicative of an eating disorder but it is a sign of needing to reprioritize one’s dietary habits. School—particularly college—quickly leaves students feeling as though there are not enough hours in the day as the requirements leave little time for so much as a cat nap. Many students today work part-time alongside taking classes, so busy schedules can be overwhelming and can explain why one will often hear students lament about pangs of hunger around dinnertime because they “didn’t have time” to get a meal or even “forgot to eat”. However, skipping meals in favor of working around the clock will do nothing to alleviate stress or help in a student’s performance.
Breakfast is an essential part of one’s day being that it, in a sense, is the “key” that “starts the ignition” of the body. After a night’s sleep the body is in great need of fuel in the morning and breakfast aids in kick-starting the body’s metabolic processes. Without breakfast one will often notice mid-morning fatigue, crankiness and problems with concentration.
Remember that an individual needs three meals a day and a couple snacks in between. Waiting too long in between meals may tell the brain that a period of fasting is about to happen and in preparation the metabolic processes of the body will slow in order to conserve energy. When going too long without eating one will find it difficult to concentrate and become irritable. In severe cases (such as those involving individuals who are hypoglycemic), fainting can result. Be sure to wait no longer than three to five hours to eat a meal. It is also a good idea to carry non-perishable items such as nuts, trail mix and whole wheat crackers in case unexpected issues arise (such as being stuck in traffic, late for an appointment etc.) in which it is difficult to sit down for a meal within the proper time frame.
Food for thought
On a 2006 edition of the Today Show, Madeline Fernstrom, Ph.D., debunked myths about certain foods being considered “brain foods”. In actuality, the key to eating in order to remain alert is to eat a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and proteins. No food should be made illegal (i.e., desserts, fried foods), and food should simply be approached with an attitude of balance which emulates classic ideas demonstrated by the USDA and ADA.
Eating disorder resources in Maryland
The Eating Disorder Network of Maryland offers a variety of resources for professionals and sufferers, and other areas of Maryland also house programs and networks to help. Pershing Turner Centers (with a location in Annapolis, Maryland) offers a full menu of resources and programs for all types of eating disorders. Notably, Pershing Turners Center has recently hired inspirational activist and psychotherapist Rachael Stern. In Baltimore, both the Johns Hopkins Eating Disorders Program and the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt are reputable in their treatment of eating disorders.
Sources
Garner, David M. "The effects of starvation on behavior: Implications for dieting and eating disorders." Healthy Weight Journal, 1998: 68-72.
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