Disclaimer: I am not a scientist, a dietician or a professional in the Medical field.
What I am is a professional in the Fitness industry who does her due diligence by remaining curious, 'dialed in' and educated in her field.
So, before I began eating according to a High Fat Low Carb (HFLC) diet, I did a lot of research into the science behind the premise of this nutrition method. Since jumping into this lifestyle and deciding that this is a long-term nutrition strategy for me, I have continued to read and listen to various nutrition experts and their findings on the topic. I am going to share with you one particular piece of research that I hope will spur you into educating yourself on the best nutritional practices for you.
There are Hunger Hormones in the body that are released by eating certain foods. I bet I don't have to tell you which foods have this effect - pass the donuts, give me an extra large side of potato chips and, for dessert, I'll take the chocolate fudge cake and don't skimp on the whipped cream. These foods prompt the release of dopamine, the 'chill' hormone. They make you feel gooooood, relaxed and happy but we know that these sensations do not last. Once the digestive process truly begins, we start to feel overly-full, heavy and sluggish. The dopamine subsides to make way for much-less 'chill' emotions.
However, we can choose to eat in a way that biologically turns off these hunger hormones by including Protein, Fat, Fiber and Greens in every meal. This strategy, promoted by eating according to HFLC, stalls the release of hunger hormones and also enables our ability to make beneficial nutritional choices throughout the day. No more mid-afternoon energy slump or late-night sweet indulgences.
Now, this isn't about being perfect. I have never come across a single person who eats 100% clean 100% of the time. What kind of life are you living if you can't have popcorn and chocolate every now and again?! This is about educating yourself so that you can make informed nutritional choices that impact your health in general. Health is everything - when we feel good on the inside, we look good on the outside and we tend to act in a way that is positive and directional.
In conclusion (!), I advocate eating according to a High Fat Low Carb lifestyle and, in doing so, avoid the food-related release of Dopamine. After all, this hormone is also released when we look at pictures the evoke positive memories, when we laugh, when we orgasm! I don't know about you, but I'd take that over chocolate cake at least 80% of the time ;O))
Sabs xxx
