You are what you eat

But what does that mean?

 

 

“You are what you eat” emphasizes the significance of nourishing your body with wholesome foods that support health, vitality, and fitness.

When you prioritize feeding your body nutritious substances, it responds positively, demonstrating the benefits of attentive care. It’s essential to heed these signals from your body, signalling a need to start listening and responding to its cues for optimal well-being.

 

Do you want to look and feel good?

 

1. Would you like to enhance your body’s condition?
2. Perhaps you’re interested in boosting your overall health?
3. How about preventing illness before it starts?
4. Or maybe weight loss is a goal?

If you’re open to reconsidering your perspectives on food, would you?

The truth is, you truly are what you eat. Yet, many promote foods as healthy when they may not be. It’s time to think beyond conventional norms.

 

But be careful

Of the brain washing

 

 

Many people affirm the saying “You are what you eat” as true, but it’s essential to test this truth for yourself, observing how your body responds.

However, there’s one group that may challenge this statement, those in the health food industry.

This industry is saturated with individuals, advertisements, and concepts that persuade you their ideas are beneficial. Yet, upon deeper inspection, you may discover these aren’t necessarily sound ideas. Their primary focus often revolves around profit-making.

They might inundate you with enticing fad diets promising rapid weight loss, only for you to regain all the weight and sometimes even more afterwards. They advocate specific foods and drinks purported to aid weight loss, but the underlying motive remains financial gain.

• Do these diets and concepts truly deliver results?
• Do they sustain long-term benefits or only offer short-term solutions?
• Have you ever experienced regaining weight after a diet?
• Have you found yourself gaining more weight than before after trying a diet?

These questions prompt critical reflection on the effectiveness and sustainability of dietary approaches promoted within the health food industry.

 

Sadly you do gain more weight

 

Many people indeed experience regaining even more weight after diets due to their body’s response to deprivation and entering “starvation mode.” This physiological reaction is a natural defence mechanism.

Moreover, once weight is regained, individuals often turn to purchasing the products recommended by the health food industry to lose weight again, perpetuating a cycle. This pattern can indeed be driven by profit motives within the industry.

Unfortunately, this cycle and the pressures to conform to idealized body images promoted by these industries can contribute to eating disorders like Bulimia Nervosa.

While this wasn’t the sole cause of my struggle with bulimia, it certainly exacerbated it. If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia or any eating disorder, seeking help and support is crucial.

 

So how do they do this?

 

 

The health food industry often uses compelling advertisements and images of appealing low-fat foods and drinks to entice consumers. However, these products may not live up to their promises and can contribute to weight gain.

These marketing tactics are primarily aimed at maximizing profit.

Similarly, before-and-after photos depicting dramatic transformations may be heavily edited with Photoshop, creating unrealistic expectations.

These tactics serve the same purpose, to increase profits.

Consider this, consuming unhealthy foods and drinks can negatively impact how you look and feel. Low-fat products are not necessarily healthy or beneficial for weight management.

Conversely, opting for nutritious, natural foods and drinks can positively impact your well-being. Are you truly what you eat? It’s a question worth exploring.

Do not be brainwashed.

 

Imagine your body is a machine

 

 

Our bodies, like machines, require proper care to function optimally. Just as a machine needs regular oiling, fueling, and maintenance to operate smoothly and prevent breakdowns, our bodies require essential nutrients and care to maintain health.

Scientifically speaking, what we eat plays a crucial role in determining the composition of our cellular membranes. These membranes are essential as they form the structure of cells throughout our body, including bones, organs, muscles, and the brain.

Consider this, the average adult loses approximately 300 billion cells daily. These cells need to be replaced continuously to maintain bodily functions and repair damage. The food we consume provides the necessary building blocks—our oil and fuel—to regenerate and replenish these cells.

Therefore, the concept “You are what you eat” holds significant truth, as the nutrients we ingest directly contribute to the ongoing maintenance and renewal of our body’s cells and systems.

 

Toxins

Processed food

 

Our bodies operate tirelessly, constantly renewing billions of cells every second to sustain our essential functions, thinking, talking, walking, and moving. However, the quality of the fuel we provide directly impacts this intricate process.

When we consume processed food laden with toxins and lacking essential nutrients, our bodies face a daunting task. Initially, they might struggle on, trying to manufacture new cells despite the inadequate fuel. Yet, over time, the toll becomes evident. The body’s efficiency declines, and it starts to falter in its maintenance and repair tasks.

Imagine filling your body with junk—processed rubbish that offers little nutritional value. Would you expect it to perform optimally? Likely not. It’s akin to fueling a machine with garbage and expecting it to function smoothly.

While our bodies are resilient and adaptive, continually feeding them poor-quality food eventually takes its toll. They may manage for a while, cobbling together new cells from inadequate resources, but this makeshift solution isn’t sustainable. Eventually, the body exhausts its ability to compensate, and the effects of poor nutrition become apparent.

In essence, what we eat profoundly affects the quality of our cells and, consequently, our overall health. Opting for nourishing, natural foods provides our bodies with the essential building blocks they need to thrive and maintain optimal function.

 

Genetically modified food

 

It’s important to be mindful of what we consume because it directly impacts our health and well-being. If you’re curious about Genetically modified food (GM) foods, it’s worth delving into the details.

Consider this, if you eat McDonald’s frequently, do you know what you’re actually consuming?

1. Are those fries made from real potatoes?
2. Is that beef patty free from additives or genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Research has shown that certain ingredients in fast food may indeed be genetically modified in some form. This raises questions about the long-term effects on health.

Take a moment to observe friends and family who regularly consume such foods.

1. How is their health?
2. How do they look?

It’s crucial to exercise caution with processed foods.

 

What is a realistic definition of health

 

• Food that you can eat often, and that will give you enough energy to get through the day.

• Also, food that does not make your mind and body feel lacking in energy and tired.

• Foods that you don’t want to eat fast. Then you feel full up before you have finished a normal size plate.

• Nutrition that doesn’t make you have a headache or sinus problems.

 

What is a realistic definition of eating healthy

 

A realistic definition of health can encompass several aspects related to nutrition and overall well-being-

1. Sustaining Energy- Food that provides sufficient energy to support daily activities without feeling fatigued or lacking in vitality.
2. Satiety and Digestion- Nutritious meals that satisfy hunger and promote a feeling of fullness without the need to eat quickly or excessively.
3. Mental Clarity- Nutrition that supports cognitive function and mental well-being, minimizing symptoms like headaches or sinus issues that can affect clarity and focus.
4. Balanced Nutrition– Eating a variety of foods that contribute to overall health, including essential nutrients and avoiding excessive processed ingredients or additives.
5. Long-Term Wellness- Choosing foods that support long-term health goals and maintaining a balanced diet that contributes to physical health and overall vitality.

 

So what is good for you?

Tea

 

 

Green tea is a natural stimulant due to its caffeine content, which is lower than that found in coffee. This makes it suitable for consumption throughout the day, whether served hot or cold, without significantly affecting sleep patterns. Unlike some coffee products that may contain toxins, green tea offers a cleaner option.

Additionally, green tea is rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in combating oxidative damage that occurs during regular cell metabolism. These antioxidants can potentially prevent or reverse such damage, contributing to overall health benefits, including potential cancer-fighting properties.

I recommend this amazing green tea – Japanese Sencha Green Tea

 

Antioxidants

 

One of the most powerful antioxidants is epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) this potent antioxidant is abundant in green tea and known for its potential health benefits.

Studies indicate that EGCG may inhibit the growth of breast and prostate tumours, highlighting its role in potentially combating certain cancers.

Moreover, green tea has shown promise in promoting heart health. Research involving 40,530 Japanese individuals over seven years revealed that consuming three to four cups of green tea daily correlated with a 31% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality. This suggests that regular consumption of green tea may contribute positively to cardiovascular health outcomes.

 

Black tea

 

Black tea, like green tea, contains beneficial compounds known as catechins. These catechins contribute to the health benefits of black tea, specifically in maintaining the health of blood vessels.

Compared to soda and other highly processed beverages, tea, including both black and green varieties, retains a significant amount of phytonutrients from the tea plant.

These phytonutrients, such as catechins and other antioxidants, are believed to play a role in promoting health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.

Therefore, choosing tea over sugary sodas can be a healthier option due to its natural content of beneficial compounds and lower levels of processing.

I recommend this amazing black tea – TAZO Regenerative Organic Awake English Breakfast Black Tea.

 

Omega 3’s

 

Omega 3 fatty acids (do not be put off by the name fatty acids.)

Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in protecting the lining of blood vessels, which helps prevent issues like platelet aggregation, or clumping, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots.

These beneficial fatty acids are found in foods such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, chia seeds, walnuts, and flax seeds. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are essential for overall heart health.

For those who prefer not to consume these foods regularly, omega-3 supplements are available.

However, it’s important to note that simply taking a supplement may not provide the same benefits if a person continues to consume a diet high in processed foods. A balanced diet rich in natural sources of omega-3s is generally recommended for optimal health benefits.

 

Cruciferous veggies

 

So what are cruciferous veggies?

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, arugula, and spinach are highly nutritious and offer a variety of health benefits.

When consuming spinach, it’s beneficial to chew it thoroughly. This action allows the bacteria in your mouth and tongue to convert the nitrates present in spinach into a chemical form that promotes dilation of blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and improves overall vascular health when swallowed.

These vegetables are rich in nutrients including several carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamins C, E, and K, folate, and various minerals. Incorporating cruciferous vegetables into your diet regularly can contribute to overall health and well-being.

 

Beets

 

Beets are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with natural nitrates and numerous health benefits.

1. Antioxidants- Beets are ranked among the top 10 vegetables with potent antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage, which is linked to various diseases including cancer.

2. Glutamine- Beetroots are rich in glutamine, an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our gut lining. A healthy gut lining is vital for optimal digestion, absorption of nutrients, and overall immune function.

3. Fiber- Beets are also high in dietary fibre. Fibre supports healthy bowel function by adding bulk to stool and promoting regularity. Additionally, fibre acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a balanced gut microbiome.

Incorporating beets into your diet, whether raw, cooked, or juiced, can provide a range of health benefits, from boosting antioxidant defences to supporting digestive health and overall well-being.

Dark chocolate

Cacao – Dark chocolate offers some surprising health benefits due to its high cocoa content:

1. Fibre- Cocoa, the main ingredient in dark chocolate, contains dietary fibre. Fibre is beneficial for gut health as it supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which contribute to overall digestive health and immune function.

2. Polyphenols- Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids such as catechins and epicatechins. These compounds have antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

3. Stem Cell Mobilization- Some studies suggest that polyphenols in dark chocolate can stimulate the mobilization of stem cells. Stem cells are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration, and their enhanced mobilization can potentially improve overall circulation and cardiovascular health.

4. Nitric Oxide Release- Dark chocolate has been shown to promote the release of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. This can contribute to better cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.

When choosing dark chocolate for health benefits, look for varieties with at least 70% cocoa content to ensure higher levels of polyphenols and lower sugar content. Enjoying moderate amounts of dark chocolate as part of a balanced diet can provide these health benefits without excessive calorie intake.

Green and black chocolate is my favourite. I suggest you try it too – Green and Black’s Organic The Miniature Bar Collection 180 g

 

Takeaway

 

 

‘You are what you eat’ originally came into the English language from a french lawyer in 1826. The French lawyer Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, in Physiologie du Gout, ou Meditations de Gastronomie Transcendante:

“Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es.”

[Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are].

Good luck everyone and remember, your diet shapes not just your body, but also your mind and overall well-being.

Choose foods that nourish your gut with good bacteria, such as fresh vegetables and probiotic-rich foods.

Cutting back on alcohol and simple carbohydrates like sugar can also contribute to better mood stability and health in the workplace.

As the saying goes, ‘Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” Let’s strive for balanced eating habits to support a balanced life!”