Unlocking the Connection: How Diet Shapes Motivation from a Botanist’s Perspective
A deep dive into the complex relationship between food and motivation, and how understanding the biochemistry of the brain can help us make better food choices
As a botanist, my understanding of the natural world has taught me that everything is connected. The food we eat is no exception. Our diet plays a critical role in shaping our motivation, driving our ability to focus and achieve our goals.
When I think about the relationship between food and motivation, I’m reminded of the words of renowned biologist,
Lynn Margulis, who said, “You are what you eat, and you are what you eat eats.”
This statement holds a powerful truth that goes beyond the conventional wisdom of simply counting calories and watching our weight. What we put into our bodies has a direct impact on the functioning of our brain and, in turn, our motivation.
From a botanist’s perspective, the key to unlocking the connection between diet and motivation lies in understanding the complex interplay between the nutrients in our food and the biochemistry of our brain.
Let’s start with the basics. Our brain requires a steady supply of glucose, a simple sugar, to function properly. Without it, we experience fatigue, irritability, and a lack of focus. This is where carbohydrates come in. Carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, provide our brain with the glucose it needs to function at its best.
But it’s not just about glucose. Our brain also requires a balance of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to function optimally. These nutrients are found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function.
Similarly, vitamin E, found in almonds and avocado, has been linked to improved mood and motivation.
Unfortunately, many of us don’t get enough of these essential nutrients in our diet. Instead, we rely heavily on processed foods, which are often high in added sugars, saturated fats, and artificial ingredients. These foods may provide a quick energy boost, but they ultimately leave us feeling sluggish and unmotivated.
As a botanist, I have seen firsthand the power of plants to nourish and heal our bodies. By incorporating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, we can provide our brain with the essential nutrients it needs to function at its best.
Motivation is not just about the nutrients in our food.
As I have studied plants, I have come to understand that the energy of the plants is also important to nourish the body and mind. For example, eating a freshly picked apple compared to a processed apple juice, the energy of the apple is much higher and more beneficial to the body, as it’s been picked recently and hasn’t lost its vital energy.
Furthermore, the way we eat also plays a critical role in shaping our motivation. Eating in a rushed and stressed state can cause our body to release stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can negatively impact our motivation.
In contrast, taking the time to sit down and enjoy our food in a relaxed state can promote feelings of well-being and improve our ability to focus.
In conclusion, as a botanist, I have come to understand that the food we eat plays a crucial role in shaping our motivation. By incorporating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and paying attention to the energy of the food, we can provide our brain with the essential nutrients it needs to function at its best.
By taking the time to sit down and enjoy our food in a relaxed state, we can promote feelings of well-being and improve our ability to focus. The next time you reach for a snack, I encourage you to think about the impact it will have on your motivation and make a mindful choice that will nourish both your body and mind.
Remember, as Michael Pollan said, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” By following this simple advice, we can improve our motivation and set ourselves up for success in all areas of our lives.
