Do you remember the last time you entered your kitchen and went cupboard to cupboard, to the “fridge” and then back to a pantry? Aimless? You knew you wanted something…but what? When you get “ hungry”, your body (and brain) might be looking for balance in a whole different way than you imagine.
Our body is an amazing record keeper. While you do not have an “accountant” deciding calories in and calories out, you do have energy systems keeping track of your micronutrient/macronutrient reserve. Your emotions, sleep and energy throughout the day are managed by having a sufficient amount of B-vitamins, Vitamin C, magnesium and even iron, just to name a few of the essential nutrients your body uses everyday to repair itself and recover from the “day to day” grind.
With steps towards better health, like adding movement/exercise, you will be using this fuel (food) in a different way. Your biochemical energy cycles change. With that change is the need to bring an abundance of foods into your diet that maintain lean muscle mass, hormones for energy and help with the production of neurotransmitters to keep your brain sharp and your stress minimal. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that help transmit messages from one area of the brain to another.
Serotonin production, via healthy food choices can encourage healthy metabolism and has a significant benefit in the reduction of food cravings and improvement in restful sleep. Sufficient amounts of serotonin – via the right food sources – and with the help of vitamin C, magnesium and niacin can transform serotonin into melatonin for restorative sleep and reduction of oxidative stress on the brain, as melatonin is a potent brain antioxidant with benefit in healthy brain aging and cognitive function.
Everyone, regardless of body composition or health, can benefit from nutrients found in avocados, dark green leafy veggies, and protein like walnuts, fish and eggs. These nutrients ensure you can mobilize fat for energy, utilize proteins for better sleep and make serotonin for emotional balance.
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