Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Question: What can I do to get healthy?

Answer: Hippocrates, The Father of Medicine, said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food!”

Obesity, diabetes, and gum disease are increasing at alarming rates. At the same time, many people are on prescribed medications to help control these varying diseases. Processed foods continue to be consumed because they are cheap and easy to buy. If you want to improve your health, you need to do what Hippocrates suggests and change your diet.

What is a healthy diet? (I am going to answer this question based on my experience only. As always, consult your doctor before you change your diet.)

Dr. O's 8 Simple Rules for Success

1. Read the labels on your food and drink. If there are more than 5 ingredients on the back of the package, it is probably not easily broken down by your body. If there are more than 2 ingredients that are really long words and you don’t know what they are, then your body probably won't recognize it either! Avoid these food/drinks wherever possible.

2. Eat as many vegetables as you want. The greener or more colorful they are, the better they are for you. Try to eat a rainbow of colors (red bell peppers, carrots, watermelon, kale, spinach, etc.).

3. Reduce your animal fat intake. Consume lean proteins such as chicken, turkey and fish over more fatty meats such as beef.

4. Avoid soda. If you must have soda, try to keep your intake to one can of soda per week. Remember, just because a soda is diet, sugar free or calorie free, it does not mean it is good for you!

5. Drink water. Staying hydrated is critical to your body functioning properly.

6. Limit your dairy intake.

7. Exercise! Eating healthy and working out go hand in hand. Even if you need to start small by going for a walk three days a week, and then work your way up to a jog- that's great. Keep your body moving.

8. Get a partner or coach. It is easier to stay committed to a healthy lifestyle when you have support. 

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