The Cookie Monster of the Body

Let’s talk a little bit about the cookie monster of the body. Your heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs are just a few of the major organs that need energy to function and perform. Your brain is roughly 3 pounds in total weight for the average person. Although, it is not very large, your brain needs approximately 20% of the calories you consume. Your brain is the cookie monster of the body.

Your brain’s job is to keep you safe; it is also highly adaptive and resourceful. Your brain likes to conserve as much energy as possible. New thoughts and habits require your brain to utilize more energy. That’s what makes creating new habits more challenging. Your brain loves running on auto pilot and laziness is its default.

When I use the term mental health, I am not necessarily referring to psychological issues. I am also referring to, memory, your ability to think clearly, the ability to focus, and feel a wide range of emotions. Our mental health determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and the overall sense of well- being. If people aren’t physically giving their brain what it needs to perform optimally, they can feel a variety of things such as brain fog, low energy, difficulty concentrating or regulating emotions.

Diets that are high in processed foods, are high in calories, but are low in nutritional value. Food like this can cause the body to be inflamed, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Inflammation has also been linked to depression and anxiety. Food full of chemicals and sugar, wreak havoc on the body as well as the mind.

The next time you eat a meal full of sugar, heavy in fats or other processed food, pay attention to how you feel. How is your energy, how is your mood, were you able to sleep after? Everyone’s body functions a little bit differently but the premise behind good nutrition is the same. If you want to mentally be at your best, nutrition matters. You can’t look and feel your best if you don’t fuel yourself with premium fuel. Your brain might be the cookie monster but it’s version of cookies are fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Feed your cookie monster the cookies it truly needs.