Is calories in VS calories out the answer?

Your brain is the most complex and magical communication center that controls all functions of your body through its billions of neurons (nerve cells). Every neuron in your brain has receptors on its surface that constantly send and receive messages from nearby neurons using molecules called neurotransmitters (chemical signals such as hormones or drugs). When a neurotransmitter attaches to a receptor it allows information to be received and enter the neuron like a key opening a lockbox.

Leptin is a hormone secreted by your fat cells. The more fat in your fat cells, the more Leptin they produce, sending signals to the hypothalamus to help regulate food intake and energy expenditure. Leptin is also known as the “satiety hormone” or "starvation hormone" for its major role in controlling appetite.

The hypothalamus is a small part of the brain that works like the “center of operations” in the regulation of metabolic and energy homeostasis, including nutrient sensing, appetite control, energy expenditure, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

This is important to understand as diet and lifestyle choices play a huge role in overall inflammation, and inflammation in the brain is the main cause of receptor resistance. Any type of receptor resistance is when your brain does not properly receive the signal from the neurotransmitter- the key no longer opens the lockbox.

Leptin resistance is when your brain does not receive the leptin signal that your fat cells have enough fat stored and that you do not need to increase food intake and that it is ok to burn calories. Your brain then believes that you are starving and takes action to regain lost body fat by encouraging you to eat more and conserve energy.

Research has shown that this could be the main reason why people yo-yo diet. Even though your brain is working on “false information” it is simply doing its job at trying to help your body find homeostasis.

The important takeaway here is that when it comes to long-term fat loss it is way more than just calories in versus calories out. It starts with brain health and lowering inflammation which can be achieved through a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Some tips are:

• KEEP UP ON H2O - Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day

• Avoid processed foods

• Eat nutrient dense foods - No empty calorie foods

• Avoid sugar

• Move your body regularly - Exercise

• Sleep - Aim for good quality sleep

• Control stress - Meditate

• PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Live Mindfully