Hippocrates Defined the Principles of Healthy Living

---

The Greek physician Hippocrates will long be remembered for the major contributions he made to nutritional medicine and has continued to inspire generations of healthcare professionals with his treatises for over 2,400 years.

In addition to his teachings on using foods to heal and restore good health, Hippocrates recognized the importance of physical activity as well. He believed that walking was a form of medicine and encouraged his patients to walk more often.

The profound effects of being overweight on a person's health cannot be understated. But, despite our scientific understanding of obesity, medical schools still provide minimal education on the roots of obesity and even less on weight loss.

A joint effort by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Loma Linda University Health aims at equipping all healthcare professionals with the knowledge to help individuals enhance their quality of life through better lifestyle choices.

Whole Foods Provide Crucial Nutrients

It is important to focus on balanced meals that include all food groups in appropriate proportions. A healthy diet consists of a variety of nutrient-dense foods that provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

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

Whole Grains – Discover the power of whole grains for better health and weight control. Swap processed grains for whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice to boost metabolism, reduce belly fat, and lower cholesterol levels.

Colorful Vegetables – Discover colorful vegetables and the power of vibrant, nutrient-rich foods that can enhance your health and well-being. By embracing a rainbow diet, you can boost your vitamin intake and support various aspects of your health, from metabolism to immunity. So, eat foods in different hues.

Whole Fruits (not juices) – Research shows that including whole fruits in your diet aids weight management and boosts overall health. The high fiber content in whole fruits promotes satiety and reduces hunger cravings. Fiber slows down digestion, curbing appetite and aiding in weight loss and long-term weight management.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Adding nuts, seeds, and other plant-based proteins into a well-balanced diet has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is because of their powerful antioxidant properties and ability to reduce inflammation in the body and support healthy brain function.

Plant Oils – Plant oils are a great source of healthy fats. Consuming plant oils has been linked to many health benefits. These natural oils are extracted from plants such as nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, and offer numerous nutritional advantages that contribute to our overall well-being.

It is important to note that everyone's body is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. Factors such as genetics, metabolism, and medical conditions can also play a role in determining an individual's caloric needs and weight.

Walking Briskly Can Help with Weight Control

Engaging in regular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. This is because physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. Lifestyles choices, including physical activity and diet patterns, immensely impact weight management. Walking briskly, running intensely for 30 minutes daily, or doing sprint intervals can effectively help shed pounds.

A healthy lifestyle not only benefits the individual, but also has a positive impact on our communities and society. By taking care of ourselves, we can create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same, just by making small changes each day. It's important to remember that taking care of our bodies and minds is not a one-time task, but a lifelong commitment. So keep moving, stay mindful, and make healthy choices.

For help with your eating plan, contact Metabolic Research Center for a free consultation to learn more about our personalized approach to restoring health and well-being.