“Let Food Be Thy Medicine” said Hippocrates

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Around 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, emphasized the importance of food as medicine. Today, we cannot overlook the role that eating certain foods plays in adopting sustainable lifestyle habits for a healthy living.

The Hippocratic Oath, though revised over time, reflects the commitment of physicians to provide the best care and highest professional ethics. But, Western medicine still has much to learn from his nutritional approach for improved health.

By modifying unhealthy behaviors and promoting healthy ones, lifestyle medicine can help people better manage chronic diseases more effectively. It's an evidence-based approach that helps people make positive changes in their lives.

Unfortunately, in American medical schools, about 20% offer a single course in nutrition. While conventional medicine focuses on treating symptoms with medication, lifestyle medicine addresses the underlying lifestyle causes of disease and offers natural, science-based strategies.

Consume More Healthy Whole Foods

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 – Due to the high levels of fiber and helpful antioxidants, whole grains can help to reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Studies have shown that consuming whole grains is heart healthy and can lower cholesterol levels, decrease blood pressure, and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Colorful Vegetables – Adding more colors to your diet, you can not only improve your health but also make mealtime more enjoyable. So go ahead, eat the rainbow and reap all the benefits that consuming colorful vegetables has to offer. Eating locally-grown produce can also reduce carbon emissions, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Fruits are satisfying due to their liquid content and dietary fibers. Watermelon is an option that is comprised of 90% water and is an excellent choice for weight loss. Plus, it is rich in the fat-burning amino acid arginine. Raspberries stand out for supporting weight loss too due to their low-calorie and high-fiber content.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Smart snacking and fueling your body with nature's nutrient-packed treasure comes with adding nuts, seeds, beans and plant proteins to your diet. And, get professional help with personalized menus if you have any specific dietary concerns.

Plant Oils – Plant oils are not only beneficial when consumed but can also be used topically to improve skin health. Some oils, like coconut oil and almond oil, have hydrating properties that help nourish and moisturize the skin. Compared to animal-based oils, plant oils have a lower environmental impact and require less resources to produce.

Powerful plant-based foods provide essential nutrients with most calories coming from these nutrient-rich sources. If weight loss stalls, evaluate intake of animal fats, processed foods, or unsuitable cooking oils. Increase fiber intake through colorful whole produce. Avoid animal products entirely on a plant-based diet.

How to Make Better Lifestyle Changes

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. Studies have shown that individuals who maintain a healthy weight and engage in physical activities every day are less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Make healthy lifestyle changes to eat healthy and exercise more. It's important to remember that maintaining a healthy weight is not just about appearance, but also about overall health and well-being. It's important to focus on adopting healthy habits rather than solely focusing on the number on the scale. Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as mindful eating, can also be beneficial for weight management.

Additionally, limiting processed and high-calorie foods can aid in weight loss. Visit Metabolic Research Center to learn more about our personalized menus.