Exercise, Nutrition and Mental Health

Abstract

This manuscript thesis aims to explore how integrating therapeutic lifestyle changes including exercise and nutrition, could have a positive effect on improving mental health and well being. Throughout this body of work, I aim to synthesize the research that correlates the effects of exercise and nutrition with mental health. I will then apply the research implications of integrating the lifestyle changes into counseling. I firstly explore how healthy lifestyle practices surrounding a nutritious diet and physical activity have been challenged over the past few decades, specifically in North America. I also draw upon the relationship between lifestyle, physical health and mental health. Once I have looked into the research pertaining this area of interest I will then explore how we can integrate a therapeutic lifestyle change of improved diet and increased physical activity into the counseling process. I will synthesize past research in this area and explore the limitations to a therapeutic lifestyle change approach to therapy.