Nutrition + The Brain

When you think about nutrition, brain function and mental health might not be the first thing

that pops into your thoughts. Kristen Carlson, UW Medicine Dietitian, lays it out very well

here for you.

“Most people probably don’t equate a healthy diet with a good mood or better memory,” Carlson

says. “But, like an expensive car, our brains require premium fuel to function at its best. This

function includes managing our emotions and mood disorders.”

Carlson says the old adage “You are what you eat” certainly applies when it comes to eating to

nourish the brain and that there exists a great variety of foods that promote healthy brain

function.

Having a well rounded way of nourishing your body is your best defense. Eating the colors of

the rainbow in your fruits and veggies helps you to get the vitamins, minerals and Antioxidants

that will nourish your body and your brain in a positive way.

Keeping your nutrition away from high processed foods and refined sugars can improve your

brain function, gut health and your immune system.

I had always been one of those people that

thought that my nutrition did not affect

me. I could and would eat whatever I

wanted.

Oh was I ever wrong. I didn’t even realize what that was doing to me and making me feel like.

Until I shifted to eating for my wellness. The joint pain, the head aches, the bloat, the gas, the

brain fog, the tiredness all started to fade away.

The only thing that I changed was how I nourished my body. Eating and drinking for the most

part the things that propelled my body to function so much better. I honestly can say that I have

never felt this good.

As I go along this journey I have realized that what held me back for so many years was my

mind set, not listening to my body, and not having an open mind. Once you realize how you

were feeling your brain kicks in and you just out right don’t want to have certain things. I

honestly didn’t realize how amazing I would feel.

This is not to say that I don't still have foods that may not fit the mold of serving my body well,

like a piece of cheesecake, a donut (Oh I love a fluffy donut), and Some chips. The thing is

eating them occasionally in moderation. I work really hard at following the 80/20 rule of thumb.

This is 80% of the time eating foods that serve my body, 20% of the time not thinking about it.

This also helps you to understand how these foods truly make your body feel.

This process should never be stressful. You should never feel limited. The diet industry has truly

done more damage to people than good. The yo-yo and fad diets have done more mental harm

to people than any good. I see this all the time. We have lost knowing what feels good in our

bodies because we are too busy over thinking every single thing we are doing.

Am I eating the way they are telling me?

Oh I shouldn’t be eating fruit?

This to much food?

I should be fasting.

Getting back to a healthy mind set and knowing what serves your body is the key to feeling

amazing in your body. Eating the damn food. Healthier eating could prevent 1 in 5 deaths world

wide. Poor diet kills more people than tobacco use does per year. This is astounding. This is

something we need to wake up to.

I will never go back to the negative narrative that that industry filled my head with.

Although food has classically been perceived as a means to provide energy. Its ability to prevent

and protect against diseases is starting to be recognized.

Research has provided exciting evidence for the influence of dietary factors on specific systems

and mechanisms that maintain mental function.

Paying attention to what your nutrition is truly doing to your body is a key point in making it to

your goals. Knowing and being conscious of how the foods make you feel.

When you have eaten something that really doesn’t feel good and you are aware of it, your

brain will realize that it’s not serving you. It helps you to start eliminating those foods that do not

serve you until eventually you don’t even want it. Associating the food with how it makes you

feel once you can recognize that again is a key in truly shifting your nutrition + brain function.

Are you ready to feel better??

Are you ready to start nourishing your body so you feel the best you ever have??

Watch out for our new mini course coming out on eating for your body.