5September 2021
Food is a big part of our lives. We bond over food, eat food to nourish our bodies, and turn to food to feel better. But did you notice that if you ingest something wrong or ingest too much, you end up feeling bad? Let’s talk about why you are sluggish after an upsized McDonald’s meal with the caramel sundae dessert.
Choosing what to eat sounds simple. If you’re hungry, take some food and eat it. But the problem lies in our food choice and how much we consume. And yes, it matters. Feeling full is not the ultimate goal here. It’s choosing the right food with the nutrition we need so we can stay healthy and feel good. There’s no doubt about it, what eat affects how we feel. If you eat too much or don’t eat enough, something is going to go wrong. And if these bad eating habits continue, our body is going to suffer long-term.
Making healthier choices with food can do more than just affecting your mood for the day. It can make the overall quality of your life better. And here are the reasons why.
Healthy Living = Healthy Heart = Higher Quality of Life
People who have heart problems are restricted. There are so many things that they can’t do hence they can’t live their life to the fullest. Plus, who wants to know that they have a condition that could potentially. be the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. High blood pressure, hypertension, and related conditions can cause instant fatalities in a lot of situations.
Mindfully choosing fat-free options or healthier sources of fat can make a big difference. Limiting the consumption of sugary drinks makes a big difference. Plus, incorporating high-fiber foods can also keep your heart health in check.
Your Gut and Brain is Connected
Whatever is in your tummy is going to affect you mentally. Most fast foods are very tasty because they are filled with chemicals called additives. These flavor enhancers are cheap and are cost-effective for consumers which is also one reason why it’s an easier decision for us to just eat fast food. Some common examples of processed, fast-foods include taking out, sugar-coated food, salted food, soda, chicken nuggets, and our all-time favorite, instant noodle soups.
So how is all this connected with each other? Ever heard of Serotonin? This is the hormone in our body that stabilizes our mood, well-being, and happiness. 90% of the body’s serotonin receptors can be found in the gut. So whatever you put in your tummy can affect your mood and your overall outlook in life right after eating. This is why we’re so irritable after eating too much fast food.
In fact, when people are prescribed SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a lot of the side effects involve the gut.
Food Can Both Fuel You But Too Much Can Make You Feel Tired
Do you ever feel like you’ve got so much sleep at night and had your caffeine boost in the morning but somehow, you still feel so sluggish and sleepy during the day? We suddenly just lose energy and just want to go to sleep in the middle of the day to the point that we find it hard to focus at work. Yikes! Your diet actually has a role to play here.
One factor could be because you’re eating too many unhealthy carbs when there are actually healthier options like whole grains. Remember that starchy foods don’t have as much fiber, the amount that you want to get, at least. Once you eat unhealthy carbs, your bloodstreams absorb it quickly and then you get a peak of energy that also drops quickly right after.
Another tip is to prioritize your proteins in the morning instead of carbs or sugars. Eat your eggs and incorporate them into your breakfast. It’s possible that you might not be drinking enough liquids that could be the cause of being lightheaded.
However, learn how to assess yourself, too. It’s possible that your lack of energy is because you’ve not eaten anything at all. Prepare healthy snacks so you can get a boost of energy when you need them.
Conclusion
So, you see, you don’t need to completely say goodbye to your favorite snacks. It’s all about finding the balance and eating right and healthy living. Try it for a day, you’ll see a difference in how you feel right away.