Food is an essential element of our lives. Food isn’t just a crucial physiological requirement that ensures our existence; it’s an integral part of all microcultures and cultures across the globe. The enormous impact of food is largely due to the effect it has on our brains as well as the chemical reactions that occur following each bite. Learning more about the brain’s response to food could help in helping us develop better habits that will benefit our minds and our bodies.
Why Do We Enjoy Food?
In spite of how it is considered, food is actually an assortment of molecular substances that trigger complicated chemical reactions throughout our entire body. These reactions take place within our muscles, in our blood, and in our brains- everywhere. Food choices affect the way we think about sleep, how we feel, how we move, and, ultimately, how long we live. Food’s essential role in sustaining our intricate biological machinery must never be played in the shadow of the pleasure and interaction it creates. While these are essential, the main reason for food is to ensure we’re alive and healthy.
Many people are probably thinking:
If food is merely fuel, then why should I need to love it so often?
The pleasure that we experience from food is indeed vital. Life would become much more boring if food couldn’t be enjoyed. Also, we’d likely be less inclined to eat, which could lead to a number of health problems.
If the stomach is empty, and we are in desperate need of food, the pleasure receptors in our brains are activated and ready to go. You might be able to notice that the first bites of food when you are hungry are especially satisfying, while consumption later is not as tasty. This is due to the chemical changes in our brains. When we inject the required fuel into our body, we feel given a reward, in a sense, and feel a sense of satisfaction.
There are instances where a desire to feel satisfaction can lead us to think we need to fuel our cars, but actually, our tanks aren’t full. This is a common occurrence, especially in the modern society we live in. If you are experiencing this issue, you must establish a logical eating plan to prevent eating too much. These cravings can be tamed with a planned meal prep strategy or diet plan, which can be extremely helpful.
Overeating Affects Our Mental Health
While eating our favorite comfort foods is a pleasant treat from time to time, eating them frequently induces an illusion of joy. Although we might feel a sense of satisfaction in the initial couple of bites, eating habits that are not healthy throughout the day can cause our organs, including our brains, to function less effectively and, over time, it can have a huge influence on how we see ourselves and the choices we make. The way we view ourselves could lead to eating problems.
Eating disorder is a form of illness that affects more than 30 million Americans, approximately 10% of our population. As per the ANAD, more than 25% of people suffering from eating disorders try suicide. This is a sign of a problem that Total Health and Fitness strives to resolve. A more disciplined approach to our eating habits, even if it is challenging at times, will result in more enjoyable, happier lives. In the past year, as we faced the consequences of a global pandemic, It was a challenge for many people to keep the discipline. It’s fine. You can begin today and get back to a healthy and positive path. There will be improvement in your mental and physical well-being. For more details on our nutritional plans that are structured, call us at (801)-905-8158 for a consultation.
Keep Those Seratonin Levels Steady
To better understand how unhealthy eating habits could result in eating disorders and other mental health problems, it is necessary to comprehend the importance of a substance in our bodies known as serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical made by nerve cells within our bodies. It requires an essential amino acid called tryptophan. The amino acid can be found in the majority of the foods we consume, like nuts, oats, seeds, meat, dairy, and even milk. Serotonin is located within our digestive tracts and aids our bodies by doing the following and many more:
Studies have shown that serotonin levels play a major impact on our psychological health and aid in reducing depression as well as anxiety. Because one of serotonin’s most important components, tryptophan, comes from the food we consume, it eventually affects the health of our minds, sleep patterns, and concentration. This isn’t a myth; It’s a fact.
While it’s possible to enjoy eating a variety of our favorite comfort foods — a wonderful thing to do on occasion, you’re more likely to feel happy when you eat well. A healthy diet can aid in regulating the brain’s chemistry, as in your serotonin levels, which will help to maintain stable mental and physical health. We at Total Health and Fitness know that lasting happiness is a result of a healthy diet. We develop custom menu plans that encourage the development of habits that will ensure you are healthy and happy.