Foods that Impact Body-Mind Wellbeing

Have you ever wondered why you crave a certain food, such as chocolate or strawberry ice-cream when you feel overwhelmed by the winter blues, or you simply lack energy? Whatever may be your go-to snack to elevate your mood and give you an energy boost, everything you eat has a profound impact on your body, mindset and your spirit, especially over a long period of time. Food is our body’s and our mind’s fuel, and as such, it has the potential to either be a constant burden or serve its true purpose.

When something in your nutrition is out of balance, you might feel it as a temporary, subtle slump in your mood, a drop in your immunity, or the quality of your sleep. And in order to prevent those, or more severe, chronic issues such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, it’s essential to pick your bites carefully and safeguard your overall wellbeing through a wholesome, healthy lifestyle.

Our Eating Manners Matter

Before we skip to the content of your plate and how it affects your health, the way in which you eat, and when you choose to do so also play crucial roles in maintaining your body-mind health balance. In fact, a study conducted at the University of Rhode Island concluded that fast eaters consume significantly more calories than slow eaters – because the signal “I’m full” takes time to reach your brain, so take your time and chew your meals thoroughly, it’s also very good for your digestion. Timing is also important, as skipping breakfast can lead to eating more food throughout the day. In order to avoid overeating, binge eating and similar poor habits, it’s best to create and stick to a healthy schedule every day that will promote healthy digestion and give your body the nutrients it needs to operate optimally.

Foods That Nourish And Protect

We live in a fast-paced world, so it’s only natural that we tend to choose fast food as the most convenient option that saves time and effort. However, in the long run, consuming overly processed foods packed with additives, sugar, synthetic dyes and flavor-enhancers can only shave years off your life and decrease your quality of living. Hence the need to switch to a diet that’s based on whole foods, rich in vegetables and designed to prevent diseases. Spinach, lettuce, cabbage, peppers, carrots, garlic and onions, broccoli, and kale are just some among a slew of fresh items that feed your gut with healthy prebiotics, and are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers. Fruits, especially berries, are antioxidant-rich, and as such, they are incredibly healthy for strengthening your immune system. Mother Nature has provided us with ample plant-based choices, it’s up to us to create a diverse menu.

Bites That Boost Your Energy

When you feel that sugar craving rise, reach for a handful of almonds, peanuts or walnuts – these incredible snacks are loaded with healthy fats such as Omega-3, minerals such as magnesium and B vitamins, all of which are responsible for elevating your mood without causing a sugar spike in your blood. However, when we’re exposed to too much chronic stress, sometimes our diet may need an added boost from supplements such as Ethical Nutrients which are based on all-natural ingredients that help ward off the dangers of stress. One of the main ingredients, ginseng is a known herbal remedy mentioned even in the Vedas from India dating back up to 5,000 years, and it’s believed to protect and increase your cognitive capacity, alertness and reduce inflammation.

The Ingredients Of Happiness

A healthy, happy spirit can only reside in a healthy body, and the more you hand-pick your groceries, the greater your chances to fight off negative emotions and become more resilient to stress. Certain foods, when eaten in moderation, are known to help increase your happy hormones, such as serotonin, endorphin and dopamine.

Dark chocolate is packed with magnesium and a perfect way to elevate your mood with a bite or two, apricots are a delicious way to increase your vitamin B intake and simultaneously improve your mood, while probiotic-infused kefir and kimchi are an ideal method to calm your “gut feeling” and your brain into a comfortable Zen.

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