You Are What You Eat, So What Is What You’re Eating Doing to You?
Collaborative Post
We’re living in a world obsessed with how we look. What we see in the mirror influences how we feel – and what we see in the mirror isn’t always what we want to see. How much of a role do you think diet plays in this? A big one.
Below, we’ll tell you what you might be doing to yourself with your diet.
Nourishing for Physical and Skin Health
Yes, what you eat will influence looks, both in weight (obviously) and skin. Put two people side by side, one with a diet high in processed foods and one with a diet high in whole foods, and their physical appearance can be completely different. People turn to injections for wrinkles, so tackling the cause (it’s not always ageing) is essential.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports healthy body weight and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. The vitamins and antioxidants found in a healthy diet can protect the skin from the inside, promoting a natural glow and reducing the signs of ageing.
The Connection Between Diet and Mental Well-being
There’s a science that demonstrates the relationship between our mind and gut – it’s literally called the mind-to-gut connection. Signals pass between your digestive system and brain. They’re constantly talking to each other. Some of the key components in this conversation are your enteric nervous system, vagus nerves, and gut microbiome.
Without realising it, your eating habits do influence how you feel. Even though it might feel good to eat a Domino’s pizza, your mood slightly alters following it. Foods high in sugar and processed ingredients will always hurt the mind and body.
Boosting Energy and Productivity Through Diet
Have you ever noticed how some foods leave you feeling energised, and others make you want to nap? That post-Sunday roast nap hits differently when you cook it right. And although the food seems good (vegetables, meat, carbs), the way we cook it isn’t. Eat a light salad at lunch full of superfoods, and you have more energy. You just might not be satisfied.
A diet that properly balances macronutrients and includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods can provide steady energy, improve focus, and increase our capacity for physical and intellectual work. And you can make them taste amazing. There are so many healthy recipes online.
Diet’s Role in Longevity and Quality of Life
Scientific reports will tell you that food is the key to longevity and quality of life. The effect of our diet will shape how we live our lives, even down to the motivation.
A diet that minimises processed foods and maximises whole, nutrient-rich ingredients can contribute to a longer, healthier life. Nutrient-rich foods include:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Beans (not baked)
- Dark, leafy greens
- Fish
- Whole grains
Basically, everything you don’t necessarily want to eat.
So, yes, you are what you eat. And what you eat will soon begin to show. It’s almost impossible to avoid the effects of a bad diet and lifestyle. And even with the lotions, potions and treatments, what you eat will still be doing damage on the inside. Choose foods that nourish your body – at the very least, you’ll feel better on the inside. It’ll manifest itself on the outside as well.
Photo by Iñigo De la Maza on Unsplash
