Hippocrates Defined the Need for Wellness

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Although the ancient Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates did not believe food could replace medication entirely, he did prescribe changes in diet and lifestyle could help maintain, preserve, avoid, reverse and manage disease.

In addition to his posthumous title as the Father of Modern Medicine, Hippocrates could deserving be called the Father of Lifestyle Medicine with his writings that claimed one would be better suited to eat a fresh, largely plant-base diet as a passive protocol.

Traditional healing practices have long recognized the importance of eating a variety of foods to provide the body with all essential nutrients and promote optimal health and wellness.

Today, this concept is supported by modern nutritionists and dietitians. Food can offer numerous protective qualities and it's often essential to complement modern medicine by maintaining a balanced diet. Eating a variety of colorful foods rich in antioxidants can supports overall health and well-being.

Select a Variety of Whole Foods Daily

By eating well and making gradual changes towards a healthier diet, you can improve your physical health and positively impact your mental well-being too. Remember that taking care of yourself is a journey, not a destination, and every small step towards a healthier lifestyle is a step in the right direction. So be patient, stay consistent.

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

Whole Grains – Making whole grains a regular part of your diet can contribute to long-term health benefits. Additionally, studies have shown that individuals who consume at least three servings of whole grains per day have a lower overall mortality rate and a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity.

Colorful Vegetables – Green vegetables offer a powerhouse of nutrients and are packed with folic acid, vitamin K, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. According to color psychologists, green symbolizes nature and growth which makes it an enduring favorite for good health. Leafy greens are rich in dietary fiber to boost bowel health.

Whole Fruits (not fruit juices) – Raspberries excel in supporting weight loss due to their low calories and high fiber content while satisfying sweet cravings. Watermelon is excellent for weight loss with 90% water with only 30 calories in a 100-gram serving. It's also rich in arginine, that speeds fat burning. But, control portions when consuming higher-calorie fruits.

Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Plant Proteins – In addition to their health benefits, nuts, seeds, and legumes are also more sustainable choices compared to animal-based protein sources. Producing plant-based protein requires less land, water, and energy resources compared to raising livestock for meat for animal-based sources of protein.

Plant Oils – Monounsaturated fats, found in oils like olive, canola, and peanut oil, can help improve heart health. Sources of animal fats, on the other hand, tend to contain lots of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease. Replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated fats can decrease LDL cholesterol.

Low-fat diets have been promoted for health and weight management, but evidence suggests otherwise. Studies show that the amount of fat in one's diet doesn't correlate with obesity rates. Instead, focusing on the quality of fats consumed is crucial for health and weight control.

Exercise Enhances Overall Quality of Life

Physical activity offers numerous psychological benefits, such as stress reduction and improved mood. Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine can boost self-esteem, increase energy levels, and enhance overall quality of life. Balancing caloric intake with energy expenditure is critical for long-term weight management. Lifestyle choices encompassing wholesome eating patterns and physical activity are fundamental for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Researchers recently discovered exercise alone isn't sufficient for weight loss and long-term weight management, as the body can reach a plateau where increased physical activity doesn't burn more calories due to physiological homeostasis. Here at Metabolic Research Center, evaluating current lifestyle habits, discussing goals, recommending necessary changes, and providing support are integral parts of facilitating lasting lifestyle enhancements for clients' overall well-being.