Embrace a Rainbow of Natural Foods for Well-Being

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Often referred to as the father of western medicine in recognition of his contributions to advancing the systematic study of clinical medicine, Hippocrates also touted the importance of consuming wholesome food and regular exercise.

The Hippocratic Corpus contains texts and research that was written for both specialists and laymen. While the Hippocratic Oath is rarely used in its written form today, it still serves as the foundation of good medical practice with high morals.

Although integrating nutrition into the practice of medicine is nothing new, it is great to the resurgence of lifestyle medicine that focuses on consuming wholesome foods and engaging in physical activities like walking, swimming and recreational sports.

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.

Consume Whole Foods from Different Groups

Eating well provides our body with all the necessary nutrients to function properly, fight diseases, and maintain physical and mental well-being. A healthy diet doesn't mean following strict diets. Instead, it's about making smart choices that include a variety of whole foods from different food groups. Discussed below are whole food choices recommended for good health and nutrition, such as:

Whole Grains – A diet with a healthy intake of whole grains that replace refined grains can decrease the number of calories retained during digestion, while speeding up your metabolic burn rate. Studies suggest whole grains are associated with a lower risk of weight gain.

Colorful Vegetables – One of the key components of the rainbow diet is phytochemicals, which are compounds found in colorful vegetables that offer a range of health benefits. For example, carotenoids give vegetables their vibrant orange, red, and yellow hues and are known for their antioxidant properties.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Whole fruits are nutrient dense and filled with important nutrients and fiber. Flavonoids provide the blue, purple, and red colors in foods like berries and grapes and have anti-inflammatory effects. Although fruits do contain a few calories, consuming the right portions can be good for weight loss.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – Regularly incorporating these plant-based proteins into your diet can improve heart health, aid in weight control, and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease. Be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy the variety of nuts and seeds available to maximize their health benefits.

Plant Oils – Plant oils have numerous benefits and should be incorporated into a healthy diet and lifestyle. They provide essential nutrients, protect against diseases, offer medicinal properties, and have environmental advantages, as plant oils are harvested without causing harm to the environment or depleting resources.

Embrace a lifestyle emphasizing whole-food plant-predominant eating patterns by incorporating abundant vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds while reducing or eliminating meat and dairy intake for optimal health benefits. Adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet has been shown to improve overall health outcomes and decrease the risk of chronic diseases.

Combine Cardio with Strength Training for Optimal Results

Combining cardio and strength training maximizes fat loss and reduces health risks. Additionally, exercise can improve cognitive function and protect against age-related decline in brain function. It does this by increasing blood flow to the brain. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are known to promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Not only does it build muscle and increase metabolism, but it also improves balance, boosts cellular repair, and reduces the risk of injury.

Along with exercise and healthy eating, including strength training in your fitness routine can also aid in weight loss. Lifestyle choices significantly impact overall health and longevity, with diet and exercise playing vital roles in increasing life expectancy. Remember, a healthy lifestyle isn't a one-time decision but an ongoing commitment to yourself. By making simple yet meaningful changes in various aspects of your life from what you eat to how often you exercise.

Visit an MRC location near you or contact us online to learn more about our personalized plans for living a healthier life.