Embrace the Science of Lifestyle Health

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Hippocrates is credited with being the first physician to reject superstitions and apply clinical principles to the practice of medicine. Although you may have only recently heard about lifestyle medicine, he touted food as medicine over 2000 years ago.

• 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 clinical understanding of key lifestyle factors.
• By considering individual factors such as lifestyle and medical history, he used a nutritional approach to create personalized plans tailored to each patient's needs for dietary intake to replace less healthy foods.
• By focusing on whole foods and avoiding processed foods with added sugars, making similar lifestyle modification today offers a holistic approach to your personal care that aligns with his historical teachings.

It's time to embrace the wisdom of the past for a healthier future. For more than thirty-five years, Metabolic Research Center has emphasized the importance of a well-rounded approach to healthy living

KEYS TO BALANCED DIETARY INTAKE

Consuming healthy food is a lifestyle habit that encompasses more than just what you put on your plates. It involves mindful choices, awareness of ingredients, correct portion sizes and regular physical activity. By prioritizing a balanced and sustainable approach to eating, you can improve your overall health and well-being.

Discussed below are whole food choices recommended for improving overall nutrition and well-being, such as:

Whole Grains – Consuming whole grains is usually recommended by most dietitians for anyone who is trying to lose weight and keep it off. While refined grains contain little fiber, whole grains reduce colonic transit time to normalize digestion.

Colorful Vegetables – The rainbow diet is not just about the aesthetic appeal of colorful plates, but also about the nutritional benefits that come with a diverse intake of fruits and vegetables. By incorporating different colors into your meals, you can ensure that you are getting a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Adding watermelon to your menu plan is a healthy choice, especially for replacing high-calorie snacks and desserts. Watermelon is 90% water and one of the best fruits to eat when trying to lose and keep it off. It is also a great source of arginine, which is an important amino acid that helps burn stored fat deposits.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – One of the key nutrients found in nuts, seeds, and legumes is healthy plant oils. These include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy and can help lower cholesterol levels. They also contain essential fatty acids like omega-3s that promote brain function.

Plant Oils – Plant oils have been used for centuries for their medicinal value as well as their culinary properties. Plant oils’ numerous health benefits include improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and providing essential nutrients. But, like with any food or product, too much of a good thing can impact weight control.

For optimal health benefits, embrace a lifestyle that emphasizes whole-food eating patterns by incorporating more vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds while reducing meat and dairy intake. Plant-based diets have been shown to improve health outcomes by decreasing the risk of chronic diseases.

Routine Exercise Promotes Well-Being

To maintain weight loss, individuals need to routinely engage in moderate recreational activities or vigorous exercises. Adults should aim for moderate aerobic activity weekly along with strengthening exercises twice a week. Not only will it build muscle mass and increase metabolism, but it also improves balance, boosts cellular repair and reduces the risk of injury. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are known to promote feelings of happiness.

Lifestyle choices significantly impact overall health and longevity, with diet and exercise playing vital roles in increasing life expectancy. Prioritizing self-care through proper nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, mental stimulation, and social engagement is key to longevity. Even 30 minutes of daily walking can uplift mood and enhance your overall health. To learn more about healthy living, visit MRC Northwest Indiana today.