She struggled with anxiety for years — until her South Carolina psychiatrist suggested one breakfast shift
'I had a better day, I was able to focus on my tasks, and I can stay on track with a list,' Baus confessed.
Did you know that what you eat also has some say in how you feel? And no, we’re not talking about fries or hot brownies with ice cream. While that functions on a completely exceptional basis, certain foods add to the nutrients in our body and thus balance hormones, indirectly keeping our brain at bay. A woman named Sarah Baus (@sarahebaus) shared a post on February 26, revealing that her therapist asked her to make a small breakfast shift to help with her anxiety. The change? Eat some protein early in the morning. Baus confessed she thought he was being irrational, but when she tried it, it was a game-changer.
The woman had recently switched therapists, and one of the first things the new professional told her was to include protein in her breakfast. Baus, who is dealing with anxiety and potential ADHD, revealed that she was on medication and was being treated for her mental health. However, apart from the treatment plan, the therapist asked her to start her day with protein. She always believed that all these health labels were to be monitored by those who were interested in their weight and fitness, and for gym goers, but apparently, it also has benefits for mental health.
As she prepared eggs for herself in the kitchen, Baus mentioned how her anxiety and ADHD had her all over the place. Due to this, she often forgot to eat or just didn’t focus on eating. When protein was recommended for her breakfast, she started including it and saw changes. “I had a better day, I was able to focus on my tasks, and I can stay on track with a list,” she delightedly said. For anyone with ADHD, anxiety, or disorganization issues, protein will work wonders, Baus says. In another video, she revealed a few breakfast options she considers to get that daily protein intake. One of the common ones was egg tacos.
Baus was also glad to reveal that adding this element to her breakfast also had physical benefits. She has been going to the gym and exercising, but ever since she added protein, she noticed a more toned body. Another quick option for those who can’t get to eating breakfast is protein shakes. It’s on the go with you and can be had at any point during the day. Data from the CDC revealed that depression was common among high schoolers. 40% of students reported feeling prolonged levels of depression. As of 2024, 12% of 1 in 8 U.S. adults regularly experience depression, nervousness, and worry. 19% said they had, in their lifetime, received a diagnosis of anxiety.
A 2025 study revealed that the gut microbiome and the brain are connected by a path known as the “Gut-Axis,” which includes the nervous, endocrine, metabolic, immune, and other pathways. So what we eat directly affects our moods. Anything that disrupts the balance of the gut indirectly affects our emotional health. A test on a controlled group of children revealed that 32% showed an improvement in emotional regulation and reduced aggressive outbursts after adding minerals and vitamins to their diets. It was further added that adding a healthy amount of proteins and micronutrients helped “reduce oxidative stress, strengthen the gut–brain axis, and improve resilience,” thus reducing cravings, emotional moods, and so on.
A study published by Science Direct supports the theory that the food we eat can impact our brain functioning. The study noted that consuming foods “rich in fiber, polyphenols, and healthy fats such as monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats” showed improved moods, better cognitive performance, and even reduced levels of depression. Even a majority on the internet responded to Baus, sharing how added protein intake benefited them. @costumekenz wrote, “Insane. My little chocolate protein drinks in the morning are changing my life.” @laurensimonds_17 wrote, “Here for this. Lifestyle changes are a wonder for health struggles.”
You can follow Sarah Baus (@sarahebaus)on Instagram for more content on mental health and lifestyle.
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