The new year bells are ringing; a fresh start is much awaited, after the storm of 2020 ends. However, your belly still begs for the same pampering as the previous years, right?
So let’s talk about what works better for you: is it your gut or your brain that decides what you consume? There is some truth in the saying ‘you are what you eat’, and the truth stands in how you decide to consume food that nourishes your soul and systems. A healthy diet is the number 1 element that impacts your physical, mental and spiritual health. Have you ever thought of how you feel fresher when you eat a salad, sometimes bogged down with a heavy greasy meal, or simply good for the day when you have had a well-balanced, home-cooked meal?
This is exactly why they say you are what you eat. Your gut environment is a community of various bacteria that has evolved over time in order to be more beneficial to human systems. When we feed it food, we make sure it gets used to a certain type of food. The way it reacts to our bodies’ functions is a whole different ball-game. We could feel great with a hugely processed meal, but at the end of the day, did it do good or bad for us?
Our brains tell us we need to eat comfort food, to feel better. But your gut feels nauseous with an overload of unhealthy consumption. A substantial amount of time from our days goes into day-dreaming about our next fun meal; but we do not realise it’s long-term impact on our health. It is important to know that ultra-processed foods are enticing at best. Hell, there are times that I fall for a bag of cheetos too; but it’s only fair to our health to consume them in tiny quantities. Maintaining boundaries with our eating habits is essential to our well-being. So while your gut does control your cravings and routine, your brain has a large hand into how nutritious your regimes can get. And it is essential to train your brain, to train your gut; getting fit never goes out of style, and staying healthy is the best way to avoid any health troubles. Simple hacks can help you stay in a good eating routine, while still making the most of taste, indulgence and happiness out of your food.
- Eat whole foods – say no to packaged goods. The rawer, the better!
- Skip the juices; bite into your fruits and vegetables!
- Make fiber and legumes your best-friend. Good spices in the mix, and you have a tasty meal!
- Add fermented foods to your diet to keep your gut healthy!
- Add some proteins for a richer diet
- The more color on your plate, the healthier it is. Choose fruits and vegetables for a wholesome meal!
- Add cinnamon to spice up your breakfasts; skip the sugars!
I truly believe, once you go whole, you never lose soul. And my cooking and eating methods only serve the heart and health better on a daily basis! While you shift your nutritious regimes, it is always advisable to consult your nutritionist. There may still be foods that aid your health processes better than others; but always remember, too much of anything is rarely a good thing!
Written By Gouri Gupta
Week 2, January 2021
