Fit through autumn and winter: Part 3 "Eat well. Now!"
"It's all right now..."
A friend moaned when a report on the radio announced that a new variant of the virus had been discovered. "... Always this worry that you might still get infected." Vshe finished her sentence resignedly.
Like you, many people are tired of coronavirus. They are suffering emotionally and / or economically. When Coach I know that it is harmful when people feel that they can do nothing and are at the mercy of others.
That's why I rephrase the resigned "It's fine now" and turn it into something else:
"Eat well. Now!"
This sentence no longer sounds so resigned and hopeless. It harbours two messages:
- You can do something. Among other things, eat a healthy diet to strengthen and support your immune system.
- You can start today. Every step, no matter how small, helps your immune system.
Chocolate helps against viral diseases
Really? Well, it's not advisable to chow down on one bar of chocolate after another. But I was really pleased to hear the news in December 2020 that - at least in a test tube - both dark chocolate and green tea are effective against the coronavirus.
These are just two of many natural foods that can strengthen the body.
A holistic approach based on the right diet and lifestyle helps your body to find and maintain a healthy balance. To do this, your diet should help your body
- do not deliberately weaken your body (e.g. by eating a lot of fast food)
- relieve (through foods that support the body)
- and strengthen it (through a balanced diet)
But how do you eat really well?
The body is a complex system - there is no simple recipe for a "healthy diet". However, it is clear that the body needs to be supplied with sufficient energy and vital substances. It makes sense to acquire a solid basic knowledge of this.
What the body needs
A few years ago, I read a headline: "Most Europeans are undernourished!" I was astonished, as I was presented with a different picture in the streets and subways of my city.
I rarely see skinny people. However, I am often surprised at how many young people I see who are already carrying around quite a lot of excess weight.
Curious, I read on. It said something like: "People are consuming calories, but they are missing out on valuable nutrients that are necessary for energy and health."
The key building blocks of a balanced diet
In addition to oxygen, sleep and rest, the body needs the right building blocks to supply its cells with energy so that it can function properly.
- Liquid
If the body lacks water, the kidneys are less able to flush out toxins: energy levels drop and the ability to concentrate falls by a third. In addition, the liver then takes over the processing of toxins - as a result, it lacks the energy to burn fat.
- Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide energy quickly. The body can store them in the form of glycogen in the liver, kidneys and muscles and use them immediately when needed. This is why many people reach for products containing carbohydrates when they are tired and need energy quickly.
Carbohydrates enter the bloodstream through digestion and increase blood sugar. If this rises above a healthy level, the pancreas releases insulin, which ensures that excess sugar - in the form of fat - is stored in the body. If the pancreas is overtaxed too often, it fails and diabetes develops.
However, carbohydrates are not essential. The body can convert accumulated fats and proteins into carbohydrates itself. This means that ethnic groups living as hunters and gatherers, such as the Inuit ("Eskimos") or jungle dwellers, who live almost exclusively on protein, plants and fat, can still live a healthy life.
- Fats
Fats are better than their reputation. Oils provide energy for the cells and also the brain. The body cannot produce them itself, so it has to absorb them through food. If you eat too little fat, you jeopardise your brain health, among other things.
We can build up fat deposits. This is healthy because the organs are protected by a layer of fat. The depots supply the body with energy, e.g. for breathing and digestion, even when it is not consuming food, e.g. during a long hike or while sleeping. Only excessive fat stores pose a threat to health.
- Proteins
Proteins are the main building blocks of our body. Many cells - such as muscle cells - are largely made up of proteins. But proteins are also essential for emotional balance. The amino acids for pleasant feelings are formed from them. An undersupply of protein leads to a lack of physical and mental strength.
Proteins are essential, i.e. the body cannot produce them itself, but must obtain them from food - in the form of animal or vegetable proteins.
- Vitamins and minerals
The body needs (alkaline) minerals and vitamins to build up bones and tissue. They are necessary for many metabolic processes. Eating too many acid-producing foods deprives the body of important minerals.
EXTRA TIP: You've probably already heard of superfoods. If goji berries, chia seeds and açai immediately spring to mind, then you're right. But did you know that German hazelnuts, savoy cabbage and radishes are also superfoods?
The hazelnut is the superfood of the month for October: full of high-quality protein, healthy unsaturated fats and vitamin E. This little nut helps the body to fight harmful substances. Here I have compiled a list of twelve German Superfoods link, why not incorporate them into your diet every month from now on and do something good for your body.
The content of this blog comes from my Online course LEA - New lightness in life.
Tired of lugging around physical and emotional baggage and feeling tired and lacking in energy? Then the LEA online course is right for you. It will teach you
- To learn life anew.
- Get rid of physical and emotional baggage.
- Gain new energy and live lighter and happier.
You can do the course from the comfort of your own home - but you can also exchange ideas with other course participants online. You can book here: Online course LEA - New lightness in life.
Are you annoyed that you just can't stop after a piece of chocolate or a handful of crisps, but eat more than you actually want?Do you wish it wasn't the food that had a grip on you, but you on the food?
Then the webinar "Stopping emotional eating" can help you.Webinar: Stopping emotional eating - regaining freedom when eating
You can also find a collection of tips for strengthening the immune system in my free e-book Strengthen the immune system.
