You Are What You Eat

Our general state of health is partially driven by the types of foods we consume. We`ve heard it all before: you are what you eat. It sounds funny, but there really is a lot of truth in that statement. After all, food fuels the body and the type of food we eat affects our body`s metabolism, digestive processes and overall well-being. It`s not a reach, then, to realize that the type of food eaten directly affects our health. Love tomatoes? Plenty of good nutrients there. Trying to reduce carbohydrates and add more protein to your diet? Not a bad idea if the balance is right.

After all, you don`t want to fall into the danger pit that fad diets bring to the table (if you`ll excuse the pun).

Next to water, food is one of the essential fuels of life. So why is what we eat so important?

It`s all about balance. That`s one of the key reasons programs like the phenomenally successful eDiets system work. It addresses meal planning, exercise, motivation and a comprehensive lifestyle approach that is easy to use in your everyday life.

Love potatoes? They sure are tasty as part of a balanced meal plan. But you had better watch those portions and the toppings, too.

Have you ever noticed how sluggish and heavy you feel after eating fried foods? Your body is definitely telling you something. ��This is wrong. This is unhealthy. This is not good for the body.��

Likewise, how about the good feelings that originate with low-fat foods? Or after some consistent exercise with those low-fat foods? Wow! The combination of endorphins and good nutrients packs an incredible punch.

There have been some interesting case studies about diet and behaviour. Foods such as whole grains, beans and vegetables are rich in complex carbohydrates and increase the brain's supply of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is believed to induce calm and relaxed mental states.

Eggs and other animal food increase the levels of acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter. That may help explain why people who consume grains and vegetables with little or no animal food often seem calm and even-tempered in comparison to those who consume plenty of meat and other animal foods.

The low levels of serotonin that result from a diet high in animal foods may also contribute to impu