So we've been talking about joy, gratitude and energy this month. You may be wondering how food fits into this series. Let's find out together.
As a reminder, we are body, mind, and spirit so in this week's post we are going to address the body's needs in order to feel joyful and full of energy and it starts with what we put in our mouths on a daily basis.
A Bit of Quantum Physics
You know we are all energy, right? Just look at a drop of blood under a microscope and watch all the movement. God, the universal Source, as some call it, is the source of all energy, and we are a part of God incarnated on this earth for his purposes. Yup.
So, how does food come in to the picture?
Well, food grows under the sun, right? Plants, veggies, animals. We all need sunshine. Sunshine, as you know, gives us energy. Well, without getting too technical, it's called photo (light) and synthesis (to put together). Plants turn light into energy and food. So when we eat them, we absorb their energy. Animals eat plants and absorb their energy. When we go out in the sun, we absorb energy (the body makes vitamin D from the sun). Did you know that 40% of the population is deficient in Vitamin D? Low levels of vitamin D can cause depression, osteoporosis, and low immunity. Hence, low energy.
You are What You Eat
You've heard this phrase before I'm sure, but do you realize how true it really is? What we put into our mouths has a huge impact on our energy levels and consequently our joy. How do you feel after a huge carb-laden meal like Thanksgiving? Not so great right? How about after a big fat steak dinner? Same thing, right? Lethargic. How about when you eat a nice big green salad and a piece of lean chicken or fish? Energized, light, and ready to go, right? Processed carbs and high fat meals lack nutritional value as well as energy-producing components.
Low energy foods keep us feeling lethargic and joyless. Who wants to feel like that? Not me. I encourage you to swap out some of the low-energy foods you may be eating for more energy-laden sources. Here is a list of 11 foods that give you energy. from one of my favorite online health websites.
The Food Connection
Eating healthy is crucial to our metabolism and to our energy levels. Don't blame it on your hormones or your age. Blame it on your diet. If we don't eat the right amounts of macros (carbs, proteins, and fats) our bodies will not function at their optimum level. We will run out of energy at 3 pm and seek out some caffeine or something sweet. We will plop on the sofa after dinner instead of going for a brisk walk. We won't have energy to exercise. You get the picture.
Forget the whole notion of low-fat diets. Healthy fats are crucial for our brains! And our hormones. Salmon, sardines, walnuts are all full of omega 3 essential fatty acids. Notice the word "essential". That means our body cannot make them and we need to eat foods that provide them. Did you know our brains are like 60 - 70% fat? Yup. We gotta have good fats, folks and that means olive oil instead of vegetable oil, walnuts instead of peanuts, salmon instead of mahi-mahi. You get the idea. It's all about making the right dietary choices. If you want to have more energy AND more joy, start with your diet.
Remember, friends, we are body, mind, and spirit. We have to address all three areas in order to achieve wholeness.
For Reflection
After reading this post, what kinds of changes can you make to have more energy? What will you swap out of your diet and what will you swap in? Write and let us all know.
I hope this post has been helpful and encouraging. If you'd like to join our holistic, growth-oriented community so you can transform your life, enter your email address in the box provided. You'll receive my weekly newsletter and a copy of my FREE eguide " 7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path."
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Until next time, stay tuned, eat well, and as always,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
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