I feel like there are so many rules about eating, it gets tiring. So honestly, I am not even writing this for you guys, but rather to clear it up in my head. Now, we already discussed the unhealthy vs healthy kids of food groups; sugars, fats, processed foods.. From this point on it is your choice to be controlling what you let in your body. It’s no secret that most ‘unhealthy’ food is yummier.. or let's rephrase. The thrill of eating something you shouldn’t is a balance of satisfaction and guilt. We often neglect the thought of nutritional values in foods we consume; or ignore any thought of the food at all.
Let’s look into this, shall we?
What’s the real simple difference between healthy and unhealthy food?
I would describe the difference to be that healthy foods contain nutrients and pass through the body at a slower pace, and unhealthy foods are rather the opposite; little to no nutrients and are digested in the body at a faster pace.
Besides that, there are many other reasons I would try to convince you to head for the healthier option as an alternative for the unhealthy. Staying satiated for longer throughout the day, energy density, calories, boosts immune system and improves metabolism, and the list goes on. The general influence on overall health are greatly dissimilar between the two.
Nutrients:
Healthy foods contain many crucial nutrients. They contain good sources of dietary fiber, unsaturated fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Dietary fiber controls hunger and in addition, is digested slowly in the body, as well as, improves metabolism. Unsaturated fats can improve cholesterol or ease inflammation, and protein and carbohydrates are a great source of energy and improves your body’s functions, making them stronger.
Energy density:
The crucial difference between healthy and unhealthy foods is the way that your body digests them and stores the energy throughout the day. This was talked about in many of my other blogs, but let me briefly explain, once again. The body digests unhealthy foods, such as artificial sugars, saturated and trans fats at a much faster speed compared to healthier foods. That means that 1. you are full for less time. 2. leads to further cravings (due to the instant rise in dopamine) instead of feeling content and 3.the body releases energy in bursts and quickly after leads to a crash. The combination of few nutrients and the instant spike in blood sugar often results in drained energy levels.
Staying Full:
With the combination of the nutrients in certain foods and the digestion processes, the feeling of fullness follows. Therefore, healthier foods being more nutritious and with a slower digestion process make the ideal meal.
Calories:
Unhealthy foods are usually higher in calories. On the other hand, most healthy foods are quite calorie dense. To compare, one brownie is around the same amount of calories as one bowl of oatmeal. With the bowl of oatmeal you get more nutrients, sustain yourself for longer, and will probably be full enough to last you a couple hours. The unhealthy option will often lead you craving more sugar and feeling unsatisfied. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have the brownie. HAVE ONE IF YOU WANT ONE.
Immune and Metabolism Boost:
Foods that include many minerals and vitamins boost your immune system. In addition, your eating patterns affect your metabolism. Foods that contain protein, for example, can help improve your metabolism.
Generally, I believe eating a healthier diet can allow for you to feel better with yourself, and your body healthier. By allowing your body to digest food accordingly, eating nutritious meals and snacks, and giving yourself enough food to feel nourished, you can continue to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
