Make Smart Food Choices to Improve Wellness

---

The Greek physician Hippocrates taught that each person’s body and nutritional needs are unique. Some 2400 years ago, his writings documented the connections he noticed between ill health and lifestyle issues like daily diet and exercise.

In addition to promoting whole, nutrient-dense foods, the concept of nutritional medicine that was prescribed by Hippocrates emphasizes both the importance of individualized nutrition and the need for regular physical activities like walking.

Ancient Greek and Roman physicians understood that each nutrient plays a unique role in maintaining bodily functions, and deficiencies or excesses of these nutrients can lead to imbalances and disease, which pave the way for nutritional medicine.

With all of the recent focus on Lifestyle Medicine, it uses the therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to manage chronic conditions by modifying unhealthy behaviors and promoting healthy eating and age appropriate physical activities.

Healthy Foods Provide Bodily Support

Choosing nutrient-dense options means selecting foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. These foods provide energy and support bodily functions, helping to maintain overall health and well-being. Making smart food choices also involves paying attention to food labels and ingredients.

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

Whole Grains – Make the switch from refined grains to whole grains like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice to boost metabolism, reduce belly fat, and control weight. Including nutrient-rich whole grains in your diet can help lower cholesterol levels, decrease diabetes risk, promote weight loss, and enhance overall health.

Colorful Vegetables – Phytochemicals found in colorful vegetables possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of chronic health issues, including arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Eat more color on your journey to healthy living.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Choose whole or cut-up fruits over fruit juices to benefit from dietary fiber that aids bowel function while keeping you full longer and reducing hunger pangs. Snacking on fruit instead of higher-calorie options helps control overall calorie consumption without compromising on nutrition or taste.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Chia and flax seeds are both very nutritious and offer similar benefits for heart health, blood sugar levels, and digestion. Pistachios are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Nuts, seeds and beans contain antioxidants and fiber that may aid in reducing disease risk; but consume them in moderation.

Plant Oils – One of the main benefits of plant oils is their high concentration of essential fatty acids (EFAs), also known as omega-3 and omega-6. These are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies but cannot be produced by the body itself. Therefore, we must obtain them from our diet.

Choose minimally processed whole foods like grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, lean proteins (fish, poultry and beans), and plant oils over sugary beverages and highly processed items for weight management. Embrace a whole-food plant-predominant diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds while minimizing meat, eggs, and dairy for holistic health benefits.

Optimal Health Is About Maintaining Balance

Exercise also helps with weight management by burning calories and increasing muscle mass, leading to a higher metabolic rate. So, next time you think about skipping your workout, remember all the benefits it has to offer beyond just weight loss. Healthy habits such as regular physical activity and nutritious eating not only boost energy levels but also contribute to weight management. But, take the time to figure out what works best for you and make small changes each day.

Achieving optimal health isn't just about physical fitness; it's also about nurturing relationships, managing stress, and finding joy in everyday activities. Take proactive steps like incorporating exercise throughout the day and improving your diet gradually. Keep moving, stay mindful, and make healthy choices for yourself and those around you. So, let your brain be the driving force towards longevity and overall well-being without any exceptions.

Visit Metabolic Research Center in Melbourne to learn more about our personalized menus.