Hippocrates Saw Value in Personalized Menus

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Hippocrates’ emphasis on food as medicine was based on the belief that a healthy diet could prevent and possibly cure diseases. This idea has been further supported by modern research, which shows that certain foods can have a powerful effect.

While no single food or supplement can prevent infections on its own, consuming a balanced diet plays a key role in supporting your body's natural defenses against disease. Additionally, factors like food convenience contribute to obesity.

While conventional medicine focuses on treating symptoms with medication, lifestyle medicine addresses the underlying lifestyle causes of disease and offers natural, science-based food management and exercise strategies.

In the past, bariatric surgeons have traditionally been the go-to specialists for weight loss, leaving a gap in properly trained healthcare providers. According to Harvard Medical School, med students often receive less than 25 hours of nutrition-based courses.

Dieting Is Not a Quick Fix for Weight Loss

Dieting is often be seen as a quick fix solution to weight loss. However, studies have shown that it is not an effective long-term strategy and can actually lead to malnutrition. This is because many diets restrict certain food groups or limit calorie intake which can result in nutrient deficiencies.

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

Whole Grains – To reap the maximum benefits of eating well, it is important to prioritize healthier food choices. This means opting for whole grain options such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole grain pasta over refined grains.

Colorful Vegetables – The next time you are shopping for food don’t forget to choose a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to ensure you are getting a wide range of essential nutrients for restoring optimal health. And don’t be shy to try new and more exotic whole foods to add variety to your diet by discovering a world of new flavors.

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.

Incorporating more whole plant foods into your diet is not only beneficial for your health, but it is also better for the environment. Plant-based foods have a lower carbon footprint and require less resources to produce compared to animal-based diets. Moreover, plant-based foods are often more affordable and accessible.

Physical Activity Can Build Fat-Burning Muscles

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. Whole foods are minimally processed and contain essential nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. They are also typically lower in calories and higher in fiber, making them more filling but don’t forget to walk every day. Maintaining a healthy weight not only benefits our physical health but also has positive effects on our mental well-being.

Metabolic Research Center has been personalizing menus filled with healthy whole foods for more than thirty-five years.