Have you ever heard the saying "You are what you eat"? There's a lot of truth to it! The food we choose fuels our bodies and impacts our minds.
Think of food as having three parts. The bulk gets eliminated as waste, while some nourish your body, and the most refined part influences your mental state. Hence, it is said, " यद् भोजनं तद् विचारः" (Yad bhojanam tad vicharah) what you eat will impact how you think.
Ensuring a healthy diet is not just a good idea; it's a necessity for overall health. No amount of yoga or exercise can compensate for a poor diet. Yet, many of us fall into the trap of unhealthy eating, prioritising taste over our long-term well-being. We might even find ourselves on the
the extreme end of the spectrum, indulging in fad diets like the 'all-cucumber' or 'all-pumpkin' plans.
But ask yourself: can one food give your body everything it needs? Focusing solely on weight loss can be misleading. Losing 5 kilos might sound good, but what if it's muscle and bone density instead of fat?
Here's where a little knowledge goes a long way. Invest some time to understand:
- Your body's nutritional needs: People have different needs depending on age, activity level, and health goals.
- The nutrients in your food: Learn how to read food labels and understand what your body is getting from what you eat.
- Digestion and assimilation: This process determines how efficiently your body absorbs nutrients from food.
Without this knowledge, we risk treating our stomachs like garbage cans. Take sugary soft drinks, for example. These drinks often contain:
- High amounts of sugar: Imagine having 5-10 teaspoons of sugar in one can!
- Artificial ingredients: Flavors, colours, and preservatives can negatively affect health.
- Acidity: Soft drinks have a very low pH (acidic level), which can disrupt your body's natural balance.
Remember, a healthy body thrives in an alkaline environment.
So, the next time you're about to reach for a soda, pause and consider the bigger picture. Instead of fleeting taste bud satisfaction, prioritise nourishing your body and mind with a balanced diet. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, 'Eat to live and don't live to eat.' Let's make this our mantra for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Essential Nutrients Your Body Needs
Our bodies are amazing machines; just like any machine, they need the right fuel and materials to function correctly. That's where nutrients come in! To stay healthy, we need a balanced intake of six essential nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and antioxidants.
Carbs: The Body's Fuel Source
Think of carbohydrates as our body's primary fuel source. They provide energy for everything we do, from thinking clearly to powering through a workout. While some popular diets promote cutting out carbs entirely, this may be counterproductive, as our bodies are designed to use carbohydrates efficiently.
The key is to choose the right kind of carbs. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes are all excellent sources of complex carbohydrates. These come with a bonus package of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all vital for good health. Unlike processed carbs in sugary drinks and refined grains, these complex carbs provide sustained energy without a blood sugar crash. No wonder whole grains are a staple food in many cultures worldwide!
Proteins: The Building Blocks of Life
Proteins are the building blocks of our body. Every cell, tissue, and muscle is partly made up of protein. Our bodies are constantly repairing and renewing themselves, and protein is essential. Imagine your body as a house under constant renovation—proteins are the bricks that keep it strong and functioning.
What our Participants say