Consider Eating a Rainbow of Whole Foods

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Hippocrates broke away from traditional beliefs that illnesses were God-sent and utilized natural medicinal solutions like willow bark tincture, which has pain and fever reducing effects similar to aspirin. He built upon previous teachings of therapeutics.

Hippocrates also emphasized the importance of mental health in his teachings. He believed that a healthy mind was essential for a healthy body and stressed the importance of finding balance between eating, exercising, and resting.

While conventional medicine focuses on treating symptoms with medication, lifestyle medicine addresses the underlying lifestyle causes of disease and offers natural, science-based management and healthy avoidance strategies.

In the past, bariatric surgeons have traditionally been the go-to specialists for weight loss, leaving a gap in properly trained healthcare providers. According to Harvard Medical School, most med students today receive less than 25 hrs. of nutrition-based curriculum.

How to Make Better Food Choices

Healthy eating involves making sustainable lifestyle changes that prioritize nourishing the body with a variety of foods. This includes consuming whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. But, portion control is another important aspect of healthy eating. It's not just about what you eat but also how much you eat that matters.

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

Whole Grains – In addition to their physical health benefits, whole grains can also have a positive impact on mental health. By providing sustained energy and stabilizing blood sugar levels, they can help to improve mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Colorful Vegetables – A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables is important for maintaining good health. Not only do they provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but they also add flavor and diversity to meals while supporting sustainable food production practices. Plus, your body and taste buds will thank you.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Stay satisfied and energized by choosing fresh whole fruits over sugary indulgences Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits into your diet; purple and blue fruits rich in antioxidants like anthocyanin have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Common varieties of nuts include almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios. Each type offers unique nutritional benefits that contribute to a well-rounded diet. Nuts and seeds also contain healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and promote heart health.

Plant Oils – Tea tree oil and lavender oil, have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acne and other skin conditions. Remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to using plant oils and you can experiment with different types to determine what best suits your needs.

Incorporating more whole plant foods into your diet is not only beneficial for your health, but it is also better for the environment. Plant-based foods have a lower carbon footprint and require less resources to produce compared to animal-based diets. Moreover, plant-based foods are often more affordable and accessible.

Exercise Plays a Role in Better Weight Management

While emphasizing exercise's role in weight loss efforts, it's essential to highlight its broader health advantages beyond just shedding pounds to maintain individuals' motivation for long-term fitness success. Exercise builds fat-burning muscles. Incorporating regular exercise into our daily routine can also greatly impact weight management. Not only does it burn calories and aid in shedding weight, but it also releases endorphins, improving our mood and reducing stress.

Another important aspect of maintaining a healthy weight is getting enough quality sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to an increase in hunger hormones and decrease in metabolism, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight but easier to gain weight. With consistency and patience, a balanced approach to weight management can lead to long-term success and improved quality of life.

Contact Metabolic Research Center to learn more about our personalized menus designed specifically for your body.