Eat Clean, Feel Good: The Impact of Your Diet
Is the phrase “you are what you eat” familiar to you? Often used when discussing dietary choices, this phrase suggests that in order to be healthy and feel good, one has to eat healthy food. To what extent is this true and how much does diet truly impact how we feel? Today, let’s dive into the relationship between food and our body.
From our mood to our energy levels, food affects our bodies in more ways than one. Food can trigger the release of certain chemicals in our body, such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate our mood, appetite and memory. Diets high in processed food and refined sugars have been linked to inflammation in the body and even impaired brain function and symptoms of mood disorders like depression.
A sugar rush is a simple example that illustrates the impact that food can have on our body. When we experience a sugar rush, we feel excited, happy or energised after consuming foods high in sugar because the sugar triggers the release of feel-good serotonin in our bodies. However, this effect is only temporary and once the sugar rush is over, the drop in sugar levels can instead cause a spike in hunger levels, leading to increased food intake and potential weight gain over time.
Caffeine is another widely consumed stimulant found in coffees and teas in our beverages. Caffeine provides us with a boost of energy which, while improving productivity and increasing our energy levels temporarily, can also cause a crash in energy levels after its effects wear off. Many people who consume caffeine to compensate for sleep deprivation also find themselves getting addicted to caffeine and needing more and more to stay awake, resulting in a vicious and increasingly unhealthy cycle of caffeine reliance and consumption.
Food is the fuel that your body utilises to function every second and the nutrients derived from what we eat play important roles in facilitating healing and development. Hence, what we eat truly has a significant impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Processed food, now more convenient than ever with delivery platforms, are acceptable in moderation but when consumed frequently and regularly, are likely to cause weight gain and increase your risk of illnesses such as heart disease in the future.
In order to nourish our bodies, it is important to eat well. Eating well encompasses the quality of food that we consume, along with our eating habits. Eating regularly is important and consuming breakfast is vital to balance out your blood sugar levels and to replenish your body with the fuel it needs to start the day. Irregular meals or skipping meals can lead to health issues such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, so the maintenance of a routine meal schedule is crucial as well. In terms of what you consume, opt for clean whole foods and incorporate more greens into your diet. Avoid processed food or foods high in refined sugar and ensure that you get plenty of healthy fats and protein every day.
At BCD, we value the overall wellbeing of our team. Beyond work, many factors are crucial to be considered in view of health. If you’re interested in joining a team that values the holistic wellbeing of its people, feel free to contact us. At BCD, our focus is YOU.
