Book Review: Good Foods for Anxiety by Jane Hickey

Jane Hickey, a registered nutritional therapist, has written many excellent articles for Healthy Life Essex including Reducing anxiety with food choices We are absolutely delighted that Jane has now published Good Foods for Anxiety which provides more detailed information about this subject.

Jane writes extremely well, but the book is a self-publication and it therefore does not have the final ‘polish’ that commissioned books enjoy. That said, in the main that may even be advantageous. For example, the text is much larger than in most books and therefore much easier to read. There are no pretty pictures or diagrams, but it really does not need them.

The title of the book is perhaps slightly misleading, especially the subtitle which is ‘five of the best foods for anxiety.’ That does tend to suggest a focus on 5 superfoods that, added to our diets, can work miracles. That is most certainly not the case. What Jane focuses on is actually five types of food.

Jane also stresses that Good Foods for Anxiety is not about a specific diet. She says:

“I do not propose that there is a specific diet for anxiety, but there are guidelines to be used within the structure of your food preferences, to create the diet that suits you. Consistently including these anxiety-reducing foods in your diet will help you to conquer your anxiety.”

Jane is also keen to stress that although the food we eat plays a key role, people suffering with anxiety may need to include various techniques and perhaps therapies to address all aspects of anxiety management.

Jane has spent a lifetime supporting others, with a background in teaching before she became a nutritional therapist. Although in her practice she deals with many nutritional issues, she is particularly passionate about the relationship between food and anxiety because of her own experiences. She is very candid and shares her own story and snippets of personal experiences throughout the book. There are also several case studies which no doubt will resonate with many people.

The book consists of nine chapters plus a recipe section. The first three chapters will help us to understand our relationship with food, how our digestive system works, and the role of specific nutrients. The following five chapters provide information about the specific food groups, and the final chapter is about self-care and includes a range of techniques and therapies. Plus, a great recipe section. Fruit leather is on my list to try…

If you or anyone you know is struggling with anxiety, either due to the pandemic or on an ongoing basis, this little book is an easy read and an excellent source of information. Why not buy Good Foods for Anxiety today?