Food Trends

local and global trends

From fine dining to burger trends, we will keep you up to date on local and global foods that influence Australia's palate and plate.

food fads

Fads vs the stayers

Trends are one thing, fads are another, we'll ensure that you get the right information to ensure you're not putting a fad on the plate so you keep it real!

influencers

who's leading the way

It's a jungle out there and the food landscape is often a scary one as celebrity chefs (and the up and coming) try influence food trends around the globe.  We'll weed out the fakes!

The Link Between Food and Mental Health

What The Definition of Happiness Documentary Reveals

If you’ve ever wondered how your diet impacts your state of mind, a scene from the documentary The Definition of Happiness might stay with you. It references groundbreaking research by Professors Felice Jacka and Adrienne O'Neil, global leaders in the field of nutritional psychiatry, whose work is reshaping how we think about food and mental health.

In the film, we hear about clinical trials like CALM and HARMON-E, which are testing the effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on depression. These aren’t lifestyle experiments—they’re evidence-based interventions, grounded in scientific data.

One of the most striking points comes from Jacka’s research on red meat and depression in women. She found a U-shaped relationship—meaning women who ate either too little or too much red meat had higher rates of depression. Those who consumed small, consistent portions of lean red meat as part of a balanced diet fared best.

This research has now influenced real-world dietary guidelines. The trials mentioned in the documentary have adapted the Mediterranean diet to include lean red meat in moderation, supporting not just physical health but mental wellbeing.

Why This Matters for the Way We Eat

The Mediterranean diet—already known for lowering risk of heart disease and inflammation—is now being explored as a protective factor against mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. It focuses on:

• Fresh vegetables and fruits

• Legumes and whole grains

• Olive oil as the primary fat source

• Moderate consumption of lean protein, including fish and red meat

• Low intake of processed foods and added sugars

And according to the interview in the documentary The Definition of Happiness, this way of eating isn’t just about longevity—it’s also about how we feel day-to-day.

What the Film Adds to the Food Conversation

The Definition of Happiness isn’t a food documentary. But its inclusion of Felice Jacka’s research signals a shift: what we eat can directly influence how we think, feel, and function. And for food lovers, cooks, and nutrition-focused readers, that connection is essential.

If you’re in the food space—whether you’re a chef, dietitian, home cook, or wellness advocate—this documentary gives solid ground to the idea that food is foundational to emotional wellbeing.

Watch the Film

To explore the full context of Felice Jacka’s research and see how it fits into the broader global search for happiness, watch The Definition of Happiness. It’s a powerful, beautifully shot documentary filmed across Australia, U.S., New Zealand and Fiji, tackling some of the biggest questions we face—starting with what it really means to feel good.

Visit https://urbanripples.com/the-definition-of-happiness

#My3SourcesOfHappiness #TheDefinitionOfHappiness #documentary