Although most of us look at food in terms of the fat, calories, protein, or carbohydrates it contains, good health requires a much deeper approach. It means paying attention to the nutrients in the foods we eat to make sure we get all of the vitamins and minerals our body requires.
The Importance of Nutrients
Every function that our body is responsible for when it comes to our health and wellness (and even our survival) needs the right amount of nutrients in order to make it happen. For instance, to ensure that you have ample amounts of energy to make it through your day, you need vitamin B, whereas, for strong bones, vitamin D is necessary. Essentially, each nutrient has a function to leads to increased health.
That is why you’re encouraged to eat a diet that contains a variety of foods, so that you get enough of the vitamins and minerals you need to enjoy a life that is healthy and long. And if you don’t, well, that is when problems can start to occur – one of which is increased hunger.
Nutrients for Hunger
Have you ever noticed that when you eat a lot of processed foods (even ones that are low in fat), you can never quite consume enough to satisfy your appetite? It’s like your tummy doesn’t get full, so you keep longing for more and more?
This happens partially due to the fact that these types of food don’t contain the nutrients your body needs to adequately sustain life. Therefore, it sends you in search of more food, hoping that you’ll eventually eat something that gives it the nutrients it craves. The nutrients it needs to survive.
So, the next time you find yourself hungry, try to discover what nutrients you need by eating healthy, whole foods that contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. You’ll spend less time in front of the fridge and cupboards when you do!
