Put a Rainbow of Whole Food on Your Plate

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Hippocrates is considered by many to be one of the most outstanding figures in the history of western medicine and achieved greater success by applying general diagnoses and passive treatments, including his recommendation of letting food be thy medicine.

By applying general principles of health and wellness, Hippocrates focused his treatments on patient care and prognosis not diagnosis, and effectively managed disease through his development of clinical understanding and improvement of key lifestyle factors.

Although integrating nutrition into the practice of medicine is nothing new, it is great to the resurgence of lifestyle medicine that focuses on consuming wholesome foods and engaging in physical activities like walking, swimming and recreational sports.

As our society has become increasingly reliant on modern medicine for quick fixes, it's important to remember the value of incorporating lifestyle changes, such as consuming fresh whole foods and walking, as a means of promoting good health.

Healthy Eating Is Not Strict Dieting

Eating well provides our body with all the necessary nutrients to function properly, fight diseases, and maintain physical and mental well-being. A healthy diet doesn't mean following strict diets. Instead, it's about making smart choices that include a variety of whole foods from different food groups.

Discussed below are whole food choices recommended for good health and nutrition, such as:

Whole Grains – Eating whole grains helps to speed up metabolism. If you want a flatter tummy, ditch refined grains like white bread and eat more whole grains such as oatmeal, barley, bulgar, whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, and brown rice.

Colorful Vegetables – Boost metabolism, improve immunity, burn belly fat, and enhance energy levels by incorporating a variety of colorful plant-based foods into your diet. Avoid excessive oil or sodium from canned options and lightly cook colorful vegetables in a plant oil like olive oil for optimal nutritional benefits.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Recent anti-obesity studies support the inclusion of higher amounts of fruit in the individual’s daily food intake to reduce weight and improve their overall health and well-being. Although eating too much of even healthy foods is not good, it is unlikely that the average person will consume too much whole fruits.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Regularly incorporating these plant-based proteins into your diet can improve heart health, aid in weight control, and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease. Be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy the variety of nuts and seeds available to maximize their health benefits.

Plant Oils – Plant oils have environmental advantages, making them a more sustainable option compared to other types of animal oils. But, remember to choose high-quality, organic plant oils and use them in moderation for optimal results. That way you can enjoy the many benefits that these natural oils have to offer.

For healthy weight loss, focus on nutrient-dense whole fruits and vegetables while avoiding processed foods and animal fats. If the scale isn't budging, ensure you're getting enough fiber from colorful produce. Remember to limit consumption of animal products when following a plant-based diet.

Exercise Helps with More Than Just Weight Loss

Combining cardio and strength training maximizes fat loss and reduces health risks. Additionally, exercise can improve cognitive function and protect against age-related decline in brain function. It does this by increasing blood flow to the brain. Routine exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function and brain health. It can help prevent age-related decline in memory and cognitive skills and may even lower the risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Along with exercise, a nutritious diet is crucial for both physical and mental health. A balanced diet that includes whole foods, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide essential nutrients and vitamins to support well-being. Remember, a healthy lifestyle isn't a one-time decision but an ongoing commitment to yourself. By making simple yet meaningful changes in various aspects of your life from what you eat to how often you exercise.

Visit Metabolic Research Center online to learn more about our personalized approach to living a healthy life.