There is an expression that says "you are what you eat", and it couldn't be truer. Not only are health and appearance affected by what we eat, even feelings and thoughts change accordingly.

 

 

During our usual hectic days, we often don't even pay attention to what we eat, the main thing is that it takes away hunger and is quick. Unfortunately, snacks for in between and quick meals (fast food) usually have very little nutritional value, but many calories, so-called empty calories.

 

The human body needs certain nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats and a number of minerals and vitamins. When there is a lack of these vital nutrients, the cells send a message to the brain that triggers hunger and food seeking and slows down the metabolism.

 

Our brain, in turn, arouses the desire for food in us on an emotional level when we lack something. When we get what we crave, large amounts of dopamine are released in the brain, as a reward so to speak, so that the food-seeking behaviour is reinforced.

In truth, we are not interested in the details of what chemical processes are taking place in the brain, we interpret these signals as a need for food. Following the need, we look for something to eat that can be gobbled down quickly and has as much taste as possible.

 

But this is where the vicious circle begins: the more food of this energy-rich but nutrient-poor kind we eat, the more we feel that we are missing something, so our body asks for more. The brain tells us it didn't get enough nutrients and feels unsatiated. We take in calories and the body demands nutrients. So we end up eating more than we need and become overweight. Over 40% of the average diet consists of empty calories, which we consume in pastries, crisps, white bread, sweets, refined sugar and the like.

 

For example, if you consume 2000 calories, only about 1200 calories of that will be nutritious food, the rest will have almost no nutritional value. Therefore, to lose weight, dieting does not help much. The solution is to replace the empty calories with nutritious and wholesome food.

So you will naturally feel less hungry because the body will be satiated. The brain does not send signals to go in search of food once it has received all the nutrients it requires. Healthy eating also stimulates the metabolism and burns calories more efficiently.

 

Better nutrition gives us more energy, makes us feel better and allows us to focus on our daily tasks instead of constantly searching for food. People who change their diet to quality whole foods very quickly feel more productive and less aggressive. With this attitude, they can improve their quality of life in the long run.