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Diet For The Brain: Help Your Mind, Feed It Right

 

It’s no secret that I enjoy diets, or rather that I really enjoy eating … Opposites attract, right?

Once I find a diet that I think is beneficial I go a little crazy on research and try to stick to it as strictly as possible. Because of my thyroid, my metabolism is not as effective as it is for others my age, so I’ve never been the type to eat and eat and maintain my shape.

 

The Keto Diet

 

I followed diets where I ate many salads and fruits, and although they helped me feel better, because they weren’t as hard on my digestion, after a while I found it hard to stick to them. My taste buds wanted more, and it seemed as though my food spectrum was very limited. So, my mom told me to try the Keto lifestyle.

I quickly found out that its benefits are amazing and can improve health and lifestyle from all points of view. I highly recommend the documentary The Magic Pill on Netflix. It shows how the Keto diet helps people with diabetes and other serious illnesses.

 

So, what is Keto, you might ask? A low-carb, high fat diet. Sounds easier than it is, since surprisingly there are high amounts of carbs in many things I deem as healthy.

 

To reach ketosis as fast as possible is recommended to keep a daily carb intake between 20 and 50 grams; it’s also very important to eat natural fats (like avocados or other animal fats) more than usual.

 

Food For The Brain

 

The brain can function on two types of fuels: glucose (which comes from carbs) and ketones (which are by-products of the body breaking down fat). Our daily glucose need is exceeded by a lot because of our diets, and so ends up being converted into fat.

 

Oppositely, when reaching ketosis, the body starts to break down those fat reserves for fuel (which automatically results in weight loss) and starts using ketones.

 

I, of course, over simplified the explanation of the process. But one of the main reasons I became such a big fan of the Keto diet is due to its benefits to the mind, which becomes clearer and more focused. I am under stress because of my exams and I noticed how much better, more positive and more energised I feel since I started it. Not to mention that my urge to nibble all the time has decreased tremendously and exercising feels a lot more fun thanks to the high levels of energy I have now.

 

How To Eat Mindfully

 

So, I’m guessing you’d really like to know now what should you eat, right? The best way to think about it is by imagining what people used to eat before the industrial revolution when people weren’t able to produce highly processed foods.

Meats, fish, cheese, vegetables and fruits (though not all of them) and nuts (some, not all). I am so happy to have found so many versatile and tasty recipes. I also downloaded a couple of apps to help me track my meals and count all the nutrients I am eating, to make sure I remain in ketosis (told you I go a little bit over board).

Ultimately, but not lastly, having a clearer mind and better digestion improve levels of concentration, which, for example, comes very handy when meditating. This is something I’m still experimenting with, but I’ll soon be back with updates. Till then, find more info about dieting for beautiful hair!

 

SparkYourBloom Today and Everyday!

 

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Petra is studying Psychology in Media and Communication in London. In the meanwhile, apart from studying for her exams, she is pursuing her passion for people, human behaviour and the health of the mind as our Junior Spark. Her interests are food, she also has a foodie page on Instagram @HungryPetra, discovering the world and learning the nitty gritty of running a business from her mom.