In our image conscious society, many are careful about what they eat. In the fight against fat, they decide to avoid meat and carbohydrates altogether.
Food has a great effect on our overall well being. There has been research to show that certain foods can affect our moods with brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are made from the foods that we eat and are present in higher concentrations after we have had our meals rather than during the meals.
The neurotransmitters that have impact on appetite are:
• Serotonin — a chemical released after eating carbohydrates (sugars and starches). It enhances calmness, improves mood, and lessens depression. Serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan. High levels of serotonin control appetite and satisfy cravings.
• Dopamine and norepinephrine — chemicals released after eating protein (meats, poultry, dairy, legumes). They enhance mental concentration and alertness. These neurotransmitters come from the amino acid tyrosine.
Certain foods can makes you feel more satisfied and leave you feeling fuller than others. Choose foods such as:
• whole grain breads and cereals
• potatoes with skin
• brown rice
• whole grain pasta
• pilaf made with bulgur and quinoa
• fresh fruits
• vegetables
Protein foods which are low in fat are not only heart-healthy, but are also easier to digest – they won’t leave you feeling weighted down like fried meats or high-fat choices such as spare ribs or salami. Choose items such as:
• lean meat
• skinless poultry
• fish
• tofu or textured vegetable protein
• beans and lentils
• low-fat dairy (yogurt, milk, or cheese)
Combine carbohydrates and protein in any combination that works for you:
• whole grain bread with roast turkey and tomato slices paired with an apple
• whole grain cereal with nonfat milk with a sliced banana
• salmon on a bed of lentils drizzled in fresh lemon juice, spicy brown rice, and beans topped with Greek yogurt; or
• chicken vegetable soup with a pear salad.
Much of the above information was extracted from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. For more information, Please go to
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/Nutrition/hic_What_We_Eat_Affects_How_We_Feel.aspx
Food has a great effect on our overall well being. There has been research to show that certain foods can affect our moods with brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are made from the foods that we eat and are present in higher concentrations after we have had our meals rather than during the meals.
The neurotransmitters that have impact on appetite are:
• Serotonin — a chemical released after eating carbohydrates (sugars and starches). It enhances calmness, improves mood, and lessens depression. Serotonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan. High levels of serotonin control appetite and satisfy cravings.
• Dopamine and norepinephrine — chemicals released after eating protein (meats, poultry, dairy, legumes). They enhance mental concentration and alertness. These neurotransmitters come from the amino acid tyrosine.
Certain foods can makes you feel more satisfied and leave you feeling fuller than others. Choose foods such as:
• whole grain breads and cereals
• potatoes with skin
• brown rice
• whole grain pasta
• pilaf made with bulgur and quinoa
• fresh fruits
• vegetables
Protein foods which are low in fat are not only heart-healthy, but are also easier to digest – they won’t leave you feeling weighted down like fried meats or high-fat choices such as spare ribs or salami. Choose items such as:
• lean meat
• skinless poultry
• fish
• tofu or textured vegetable protein
• beans and lentils
• low-fat dairy (yogurt, milk, or cheese)
Combine carbohydrates and protein in any combination that works for you:
• whole grain bread with roast turkey and tomato slices paired with an apple
• whole grain cereal with nonfat milk with a sliced banana
• salmon on a bed of lentils drizzled in fresh lemon juice, spicy brown rice, and beans topped with Greek yogurt; or
• chicken vegetable soup with a pear salad.
Much of the above information was extracted from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. For more information, Please go to
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/Nutrition/hic_What_We_Eat_Affects_How_We_Feel.aspx
0 comments: