We can’t live without food, and it is what we consume the most after air and water. But is all food going to make us thrive, nourish us, and switch on and switch off the right genes? Of course not. Should you opt for a diet based on fast and convenient food, which is deprived of fiber and micronutrients, you will consequently choose the path of inflammation, deprivation, cravings, and overstuffing yourself as your body will be screaming “give me more.” Inflammation is one of the main factors of all diseases; however, we tend to disregard its signs and keep on going till it really hurts.
How should you feel after a meal?
Every meal you have should make you energized, recharged, ready to go and do whatever you perceive as conquering the world. Should you experience lethargy, sleepiness, difficulty to focus, bloating, gases, stomach acid, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, mood swings, and even depression: you ate the wrong meal! The funny part is many people feel most of those symptoms and are convinced that this is “normal,” “part of aging,” “this is just how I am,” “I will be fine after a coffee.” Ignoring those symptoms is a dangerous path. It takes about two decades for a disease to finally show up, and those symptoms are the beginning of it.
How to change for the better?
-Eat only when hungry; to do that, you need to learn to distinguish hunger from appetite and thirst. Don’t eat, because it’s a specific time of the day, to be polite or out of boredom.
-Avoid all processed food, artificial sweeteners, and artificial drinks.
-Do not overeat or over caffeinate yourself. Too much, even from the good stuff, is too much.
-Should you crave sweets reach for the fruits. They are loaded with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, contrary to cakes and cookies.
-Exercise regularly. Exercise regulates your appetite, stimulates the digestive system, and regulates sleep patterns that are tightly connected to your hunger hormones.
-Develop sleep hygiene. Sleep deprivation will take your hormones out of whack, resulting in extreme hunger episodes, and we all know that we won’t reach for the healthiest food in such moments.
-Don’t be ashamed to say, “I don’t eat this” because you might be made fun of or called names. I had experienced this resistance to change from my peers, and it is incomprehensible why somebody will make fun of your food choices, but it happens more often than not. Own your decision: Your health matters more than a silly joke.
