Monday, August 23, 2010

Food and Feelings


If we have learned to associate food with love and nurturing- As children, we may have been rewarded with food for good behavior. We may have received a special treat to make us feel better when we were hurt. As adults, most of us (..Including me!!) have continued the practice of rewarding ourselves, lifting our spirits, or searching for love through the same means. . food. YES..Food is friendship. Food is love. Food is soothing. Food is attention. Take a moment and think about your eating patterns. I believe food should ONLY be used to nourish the soul and the body. Let's keep candy as a happy TREAT (I said treat!! so..please throw away the ones you have hidden in your office or in your drawers haha).

I call candy a HAPPY treat because endorphins are released when we eat tasty, sweet or creamy foods. Believe it or not, candy and sweets which are simple carbohydrates have the greatest impact in the increase of serotonin levels but the effect will only last one to two hours. Here's a healthier way to improve our eating habits and still get all of those positive feelings!

Do you know when your lowest energy time is? If not, pay attention. Most of us have a time of day that we are more tired than usual. Mine is around 2pm. Be sure and have a carbohydrate rich snack ready for this time. Watch for the sugars and starches, though. A piece of fruit or fruit and yogurt or whole grain crackers will work!

Love your caffeine? Me too (just the smell of coffee makes me feel warm and calm). The sad truth is that you need to avoid it with meals. Why, you ask? Because coffee and tea have something called tannins and these reduce the iron that gets absorbed into your body (this is not a good thing) so for every can or cup you drink, drink that much water to make up for it. Caffeinated drinks act as diuretics.

Hope you have a fabulous week!


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