Here might be a typical breakfast for you, and many would consider it to be reasonable and healthy: fruit-sweetened oatmeal, a banana, and a glass of milk. Later you might have an apple or a handful of raisins for a snack.
That is not a balanced breakfast for anyone, friends. It is a bowl of carbohydrate with some diced carbohydrate stirred in, followed by a peeled carbohydrate, washed down with a glass of carbohydrate. (Yes. I know there are levels of fat and protein in each, but I’m talking your fundamental, core macronutrient composition of each food.)
Let me provide a little insight that may help simplify your food choices. Every food can be placed into one of three groups: carbohydrate, protein and fat. Those are the only three categories you need to know when considering balancing your meals and snacks.
So, what do you think will happen when you eat the “healthy” breakfast above? Well, at first, as your glucose levels spike, you will feel great and your sweet tooth will also be thanking you! You may feel satisfied for a short time. But then comes the switch–you’ll be ravenous in a few short hours, you will feel groggy mid-morning, not to mention your workout will feel…meh.
Food is fuel, but food is also a drug, because what you eat affects your hormonal response. It is medication by way of food. Your input is directly related to your output.
Carbohydrate is a substance that affects the hormone called insulin, which is your energy-storage hormone.
Protein is a substance that affects the hormone called glucagon, which is your energy-mobilizer hormone.
Fat is neutral. It slows the release of energy. Keyword: satiety.
What does this mean for you? You can use the hormone response from your food to create positive outcomes in your body. Cool. If you have too much of one thing or another, you will foster a hormonal imbalance, which will eventually have more and more of an impact over time. Even if you don’t have health problems like inflammation, sleep disruption, or autoimmune disorders, you will see that your performance, clarity, and overall energy will improve dramatically.
So…think of every meal as a teeter totter. Classify your foods in terms of their macronutrient makeup, and ensure you have the right balance.
For those of you who learn visually:
Nourish yourself well!
Leigh
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