Healthy Is a Way of Living Your Life

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Hippocrates is considered by many to the most outstanding figures in the history of western medicine and achieved greater success by applying general diagnoses and passive treatments, including his recommendation of letting food be thy medicine.

Although Greek medicine at the time knew almost nothing about physiology, Hippocrates believed mystical illness was not a punishment of the gods but the product of environmental factors, such as diet and unhealthy living factors.

A key aspect of lifestyle medicine focuses on using food and nutrients to avoid and manage disease, as well as promote health and well-being. Like the ancient Greeks, people today can aim at the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.

It's time to embrace the wisdom of the past for a healthier future. By focusing on whole foods and avoiding processed foods with added sugars, lifestyle modification offers a holistic approach to healthcare that aligns with historical teachings.

How to Incorporate Healthy Food Choices

Ditch the fad diets and instead focus on nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods and mindful practices. Keep in mind that small changes can make a big difference, so start incorporating healthy habits. It's important to eat wisely to improve health, prevent chronic diseases like obesity, and enhance overall well-being.

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

Whole Grains – Eating whole grains helps to speed up metabolism. If you want a flatter tummy, ditch refined grains like white bread and eat more whole grains such as oatmeal, barley, bulgar, whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, and brown rice.

Colorful Vegetables – Boost metabolism, improve immunity, burn belly fat, and enhance energy levels by incorporating a variety of colorful plant-based foods into your diet. Avoid excessive oil or sodium from canned options and lightly cook colorful vegetables in a plant oil like olive oil for optimal nutritional benefits.

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 – In addition to providing healthy fats, nuts, seeds and beans are powerhouse foods that provide a good source of lean plant-based protein. These are great alternatives for vegetarians or those looking to cut down on their intake of meat. Plus, they are a healthy alternative for those looking to control weight.

Plant Oils – The next time you're shopping for cooking oil or skincare products, consider choosing plant oils for a healthier and more sustainable option. Keep in mind to always purchase high-quality, organic plant oils for maximum benefits and start incorporating healthy plant oils into your daily routine.

Contrary to popular belief, low-fat diets don't guarantee weight loss. The focus should shift to quality fats over quantity. Choose whole foods like grains, veggies, fruits, nuts, lean protein sources, and cook with plant oils to support your health goals.

Sedentary Lifestyle and Depression Are Closely Linked

Exercise promotes new neural connections and growth of brain cells. This is especially important for older adults who may be at risk for cognitive decline. Plus, incorporating regular exercise into daily life is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. Consistently exceeding basic exercise recommendations can better support long-term weight loss efforts. Sedentary lifestyles and depression are closely linked, with each potentially exacerbating the other.

Walking briskly is a simple way to improve well-being. Your daily habits and mental well-being are intertwined; what you eat, how much you exercise, your social interactions all play a role in your overall health. Embrace healthy living as an integral part of your daily routine to enhance well-being. Remember that incremental changes add up over time, so start with manageable adjustments to build momentum towards a healthier lifestyle.

At Metabolic Research Center, we can personalize an eating plan filled with whole foods that match your body’s unique needs.