As 2017 ends, a lot of us starts realizing goals that we achieved, and those that we need to work on. One of the most
popular goals that will top off all new year’s resolution is to start exercising and lose weight.
However, some of us may have said and promised it a couple of times but ended up not committing to it. Our resolution
to exercise and stay fit has been so inconsistent that we even blame the idea of a New Year’s Resolution instead of
dealing why we can’t commit.
But why is it hard to commit yourself to exercising? If we know all the benefits, and we know that our health is wealth,
why is it so hard to start well and finish well?
Science may have found the answer.
Lead researcher Alexxai V. Kravitz of the Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch at the National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) researched and found out that it’s not just about our feelings, but
it’s about our hormones.
In a study made by Dr. Kravitz with mice – he found out that physical inactivity is not the cause of obesity, but it is a
consequence. This suggested a theory which is still being researched, that diet and dopamine levels may affect how we
achieve not only our fitness goals but every goal we have in life.
What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important function in our human behavior. It controls our mood, memory,
learning, and our brain’s reward system.
Dopamine is a motivational agent in our body that helps us focus and passionate. It gives us the sense of relief and joy
whenever we accomplish something. It is critically important in our bodies that a study made with mice revealed that
those who lacked this hormone were not even motivated to eat and would rather starve to death.
What makes us unmotivated to exercise may not be because of the weather, or because we are just too undisciplined,
but it may be because we lack dopamine in our bodies.
What can make our bodies produce less dopamine?
There are several factors why our bodies may produce less dopamine that it should be:
1. Nutritional deficiency
2. Obesity
3. Thyroid disorders
4. Poor diet
How can I increase my dopamine?
1. Eat the right stuff – there are foods that can help your body build dopamine. Those foods have tyrosine which is
dopamine’s building block.
a. Avocados
b. Bananas
c. Chicken
d. Chocolate
e. Green Tea
f. Milk
g. Watermelon
2. Avoid eating too much of the following food because it produces endotoxins. Endotoxins messes up the immune
system and it also inhibits dopamine production
a. High Fat Meals
b. Too much sweets
3. Meditate – Meditation can help with dopamine levels as it helps you sort out things in your mind. Whether your
meditation involves praying or reflection, it will definitely help you be motivated.
Being motivated to exercise is more than just willpower – there are also other factors to consider like your dopamine
levels. If you want your body to be motivated, make sure you increase your dopamine.
About The Author
Manuel is a guy who loves books. He enjoys reading and does it whenever he can. If he’s not reading, he spends time with his family and also ministers to teenagers in a local church. He does public speaking and talks about issues concerning the youth and young professionals. An Oleia topical oil user and content contributor.
