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You are what you eat; They say so. In fact, our nutrition affects not only our physical health but also our mental health. “Carbohydrates, regardless of their form, are responsible for a good mood,” Gigia Mettler-Saladin (62) tells Blick. The Zurich native is a qualified nutritional psychology consultant and knows how important a healthy relationship with food is.
According to Mettler-Saladin, people who follow a diet that allows little or no carbohydrate intake may experience thin skin and even mildly depressed moods. «Such people are often in a bad mood. But if they start eating normally again, things change very quickly.” However, it should always be assumed that normal people are involved. For example, top athletes have different carbohydrate needs during the competition phase.
Everything is in the choice
According to the expert, two things are particularly important when it comes to food: on the one hand, a balanced combination of important nutrients, and on the other hand, our attitude towards food. “If we see food as something positive and comforting, as part of our lives, as something we like to include, that makes us happy,” says Mettler-Saladin.
It is also very important to choose all the foods on the plate well. Carbohydrates are just one of the main components that have a positive effect on health. “The wider the choice and balance of food offered to the body, the fitter and healthier it feels and the better the soul,” says the expert.
What is often forgotten these days is the relationship with one’s own body. “People need to listen more again and give themselves time to feel their bodies,” says Mettler-Saladin. Am I hungry or dying? Am I full? Believing this feeling even if all three neighbors say something different.”
“Our body is not our enemy”
In today’s society, people tend to think in a black and white pattern: you can’t eat this, it will make you fat, it’s unhealthy, or you should eat more. “This thought is confusing and disturbing,” explains the nutritional psychology consultant.
Nutrition is a very individual thing. Everyone has needs. “It’s important to have a wide selection.” If many things are omitted, deficiencies may arise. Mettler-Saladin explains that just because someone highly recommends something doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Even if you eat fast food occasionally, a healthy body is strong enough to metabolize it too. “Our body is smart. It is not our enemy!”
The organ that needs the most carbohydrates is our brain. If there was a major deficiency there, “hypertension” could begin in the organ. Then a strong desire for sweets appears, which can develop into real attacks. «The brain is like a machine and carbohydrates are like gasoline. If you don’t give the machine enough fuel, it won’t last long.”
Mediterranean cuisine is considered the healthiest
Mettler-Saladin doesn’t believe that some people are fundamentally happier just because they have certain foods on their menu every day. “They can feel good because they have access to enough local and seasonal food.” Food cultures overlap with local options.
Mediterranean cuisine is still considered the healthiest. But most importantly the composition: “First in Italy we have Primo, which consists of, for example, a small portion of pasta. Then comes the second, which is, for example, the main course consisting of a piece of meat, vegetables and salad. There is often a misconception that people in our neighboring country feast on large pizzas every evening. “This is interaction, after all. “Each nutrient contained in food has its own function.” Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to a balanced diet.
Rituals related to food
Rituals related to food are of great importance to us humans. “We need rituals, we need them even as babies. “They give us a sense of security,” says the nutritional psychology consultant. When it comes to eating, one of the important things is your rhythm of eating. “This brings calmness to daily life.”
The pace of eating, the time you spend eating, where you eat, or how you feel in general are equally important. According to the expert, a sick person eats differently than a healthy person. “If we repeatedly skip a meal or eat briefly while walking between trains, this can negatively impact our feelings of happiness in the long term.”
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
