Thrive in 30: High Net-Gain Nutrition
This is the third post in my Thrive in 30 campaign series for Vega & Sequel Naturals. After the Introductory Lesson, I wrote the second post that describes Lesson 1: Stress and Diet.
The second video in the series can be accessed online: High Net-Gain Nutrition . This was a nice transition from the first video because we learned that nutrient dense foods can really help reduce stress levels, and potentially, help with weight loss, physical performance and overall well-being.
Main Ideas:
- Brendan attributes that the #1 reason for such high rates of obesity is because we eat too much, we consume more than our biological needs. People continue to eat more because there aren’t as many nutrients in the foods that we consume, so we are overfed but undernourished.
- Processed foods are refined, meaning the nutrients are processed, removed, or enriched creating a nutrient absent food-like substance that our system has to digest. Unfortunately, it lacks in nutrient density because of the refinement, so our hunger signal is always active looking for more nourishment.
So what do we do?
- Brendan’s suggestion is to invest in raw whole foods and nutrient dense smoothies because they give you more to digest and more energy but less calories. Cravings will go away because your body will get more nutrients. (Obesity will be magically cured? probably not…)
What do I think?
- “Invest in your diet” is really how I summed up what Brendan was suggesting because I think that we should look at what we eat as an investment. We are putting it into our body and we have only one body for life, so I completely agree that whole foods (raw or cooked) should be more present in our diets. That is investing in what your body needs, which is a wise investment! Whole foods like fresh produce and lean proteins ( like grass-fed local beef, or free-range chicken) are much more nutrient packed than processed junk that seems to be a staple in the American diet nowadays.
- If we can consume more nutrient dense, less processed foods, we would ideally consume overall less calories but get “more bang for our buck” so to speak with nutrients. That would help reduce cravings, help reduce weight and lead to increased health in general.
- Obesity is a multifaceted problem though and no cause can be attributed as #1. That is my educated opinion and I am now an Adjunct Professor who is teaching “Obesity and Weight Management” this Fall so I can give my opinion! Behavioral issues, societal issues, environment, economy, and much more goes into play for the alarming rates.
- Whether those nutrient dense foods are consumed raw or in smoothies is not really all that important in my opinion. Enzymes from raw foods are just more in depth than the average (obese) person needs to take into consideration! I think you have to incorporate what works with your lifestyle and tastes to really make a change sustainable!
- Eat what you truly want, try to get in what you need, but enjoy the food that you eat! Choose foods and snacks that fit your lifestyle but try to consume more whole foods that are not processed.
Instead of buying processed snacks, make a sustainable change like growing your own zucchini and making your own zucchini bread! This is a treat that you can feel good about eating AND is nutrient dense.
What do YOU think?
