Thursday, February 18, 2010

Food For Thought...Literally

Diet and nutrition have a profound impact on mental and physical health. If your doctor doesn’t agree or realize this, don’t be too upset with him/her. The fact is, our western doctors have had very little training in nutrition, and it’s just not their area of expertise. It’s a shame, though, as the wrong food and lack of balanced nutrients can cause serious and damaging psychological and physical health issues! This is why I encourage you to educate yourself, (easier now than ever before with access to the internet) and gain knowledge of a more “holistic” approach to health, which simply addresses the body, the mind and the spirit as a whole. Start today with a self-care program that provides your body with the highest levels of nutrition!

Our bodies produce chemicals that regulate our moods and emotions. The lack of nutrients in the foods we eat will trigger certain amino acids and will decrease the production of emotional neurotransmitters.

Sugar, for example, is destructive to our bodies in so many ways. Most apparent is, it gives us an increase of energy, for a few moments and a false sense of feeling good but as soon as the insulin is produced in our bodies we will feel tired and possibly depressed. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits, on the other hand, increase the release of seratonin, which reduces our appetite, calms us, helps with physical pain and alleviates depression.

Although we need to eliminate animal fat from our bodies, we need to make sure we are getting the “healthy fats” from avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil and some fish. These fats promote the absorption of nutrients into our cells and a natural cleansing takes place, which also lessens depression and enhances our moods. On-going clinical studies have shown that folic acid deficiencies have been linked to depression but a simple glass of orange juice or a cup of cooked spinach will relieve it.

Hopefully this little bit of education will help you realize the importance of the foods you eat and will jump-start a healthier lifestyle. Over a period of time your taste buds will change. Instead of craving foods, that are high in sugar, high in the wrong fats or that contain artificial ingredients; you’ll crave the way you feel and your new zest for life.

Stay tuned,

The Midnight Motivator

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