Tuesday Tip: Mindset and hormones 🤯
Does the way you think about food impact your body’s physiological response to it? Yes it does! A recent study found that your perception of food can influence the hormones responsible for feelings of hunger and fullness.
Participants were given two identical milkshakes – one labelled ‘indulgent’ and the other ‘sensible’. The shakes had identical calories and macros, but the hormonal reactions were very different.
Those who drank the “indulgent” shake experienced a significant drop in ghrelin (the hunger hormone), signaling greater satisfaction. On the other hand, those who consumed the “sensible” shake didn’t feel as full, even though the shakes were nutritionally identical. It turns out, thinking a food is “indulgent” can make your body feel more satisfied.
So what does this mean?
#1 Ditch the Labels
Stop labeling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. When you label foods as indulgent or sensible, good or bad, you influence how satisfied you feel afterwards. Instead, focus on enjoying all foods and viewing them all as good and indulgent. Then enjoy everything, in moderation.
#2 Enjoy Without Judgment
When you take the pressure off food choices and allow yourself to enjoy variety, you might notice less stress around meals. Moderation is key for maintaining both physical and mental satisfaction.
#3 The Power of Perception
How you view food shapes your body’s response. Choose to see all food as part of a balanced lifestyle rather than something to feel guilty about. And on the flip side stop viewing ‘healthy’ or ‘low calorie’ options as less indulgent as that will mean you feel less satisfied.
By simply shifting how you think about food, you can improve not just your satisfaction, but your overall relationship with eating. A balanced mindset leads to a balanced body.
Happy Tuesday! 😊
Xx
Every Step Fitness 