The concept of dieting we often misunderstand.
Weight gain is a matter of nutrient deficiency, not over-nutrition.
Our bodies require energy to operate correctly, and certain nutrients are needed to create and use this energy.
That is, our brains need to function properly for cognition, judgment, memory, etc., and our bodies need to produce and secrete hormones and carry out normal enzymatic activities.
Ultimately, what's needed are the raw materials – nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
When provided with these necessary nutrients and the proper environment, our bodies will function healthily as a principle.
When the body needs vitamins or minerals, that is, when nutrient supplementation is needed, it sends a signal to the brain.
This signal is 'hunger'. Whether there's a zinc or vitamin B deficiency, the body sends out a hunger signal. This is essentially the body asking for food intake to replenish the needed nutrients.
At such times, we should check if we're merely consuming calories instead of providing the necessary vitamins or minerals.
No matter how calorie-rich your food is, if it's lacking in nutrients, you'll find yourself hungry again in a few hours. Conversely, if you're sufficiently supplied with nutrients, you won't feel hungry even with a lower calorie intake.
Moreover, the brain requires an amino acid called tryptophan to produce sufficient serotonin, and minerals and vitamins are needed in the synthesis process of serotonin.
Obesity ultimately occurs due to a lack of nutrients.
Why didn't we gain weight as easily when we were young, despite eating a lot and not exercising?
he major difference between then and now is not the amount of exercise or food intake but our basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Naturally, BMR decreases with age, but it can decrease further if not properly managed. The three main factors that can lower BMR are insufficient exercise, inadequate sleep, and poor nutrition.
In the end, they all result from various deficiencies.
If we lack nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, we can't effectively burn calories, and the accumulated calories will be stored as fat.
Perhaps now is the time to check whether our body needs a supplement of nutrients.
