Mexico City, April 11, 2025. With the aim of promoting healthy eating habits for students and breaking common myths about nutrition, the Universidad Panamericana hosted the conference The Power of Foodgiven by Lic. Alejandra Sánchez Alejospecialist in sports nutrition and founder of Casa Bena space dedicated to integral wellness.
The event, aimed at the university community, highlighted the importance of understanding food as a fundamental pillar for energy, physical and mental performance, and emotional stability.
Nutrition with purpose: beyond diets
Alejandra Sanchez began her talk by demystifying the idea that nutrition is reduced to dieting to lose weight. She emphasized that food has a direct impact on vital organs such as the brain such as the brain, heart and gut, influencing aspects such as concentration, mood and resilience to stress. "It's not about how your body looks, it's about how you feel and how you perform," he said.he said.
The specialist explained the relationship between the intestine and the brain through the vagus nerve, highlighting that 90% of serotonin (the hormone of well-being) is produced in the intestine. "What we eat determines whether we are irritable, angry or happy".He pointed out, linking the excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods with glucose peaks that affect emotional stability.
Macronutrients: the body's fuel
Sánchez Alejo compared the macronutrients macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) to a gas station: "They are the energy we need for our organs to function.". In addition, He also demystified beliefs such as the fact that carbohydrates are bad or that fats should be eliminated, and emphasized the importance of balancing them: "They are the energy we need for our organs to function.and emphasized the importance of balancing them:
- Carbohydrates (60% of intake): main source of energy.
- Proteins: cellular repair and muscle maintenance.
- Fats: Key to the hormonal system and concentration.
He also highlighted the role of vegetables as a source of fiber and micronutrients, and cautioned against fad diets such as the ketowarning that "if you can't maintain a habit for 10 years, it's not sustainable.".
Practical keys for day-to-day use
The conference included interactive exercises where attendees built balanced menus. To do so, Ms. Sánchez Alejo recommended:
- Combine the four basic groups (proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vegetables) in each main meal.
- Avoid skipping breakfast: Suggested quick options such as yogurt with fruit and seeds.
- Hydration: "The dehydrated brain is like a dry sponge."he recalled.
- 80-20 rule: 80% natural foods and 20% occasional foods (such as sweets), always with awareness.
The event concluded with a call for a healthy relationship with food and the body: "Food is not about body size, but about mental, emotional and physical health. All bodies are beautiful; we need smart bodies.".
Commitment to integral university health
At Universidad Panamericana, we actively promote healthy and conscious eating as part of a comprehensive education. Through lectures, health programs and nutritional resources, we strengthen the physical, emotional and mental well-being of our community.
Learn more about the Universidad Panamericana 's Wellness Ecosystem at: https://www.reforma.com/refuerzan-ecosistema-de-bienestar-y-salud/gr/ar2972689?md5=09934c306d943b07eaa061f301d390ac&ta=0dfdbac11765226904c16cb9ad1b2efe
