Feeling confused and conflicted about all the nutrition advice you find online? Here are the dos and don'ts to healthy dieting…
When it comes to weight loss, there’s no lack of fad diets promising fast results. These diets may sound perfect… until you read the fine print. Hundreds of diets are being promoted every day as the "best" approach to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, however, all of these diets you see trending online encourage you to eliminate food groups and necessary nutrients. Many diet plans you find online lack the vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, dietary fibers and carbohydrates you need in everyday life. By not receiving those necessary nutrients, you are putting your body at risk for serious health problems in the long run.
The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle isn't about short-term dietary changes, it's about healthy eating, physical activity, and balancing those together.
Healthy Eating
A healthy eating plan consists of:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole Grains
- Fat-Free/Low-Fat Milk Products
- Lean Meats
- Poultry
- Fish
- Beans
- Eggs
- Nuts
By incorporating these foods into your everyday diet and consuming foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars, you will put yourself on the right path to a healthy diet. Healthy eating doesn't have to be boring, it's all about balance. You don't have to give up your favorite comfort food for the sake of a healthy lifestyle. You can still enjoy all your favorite foods time and time again by balancing them out with healthier foods and more physical activity.
Exercise
Physical activity is important for good health, especially for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. This doesn't mean you need to sign up for a gym membership. There are easy and small changes you can make in your daily life to increase physical activity like:
- Instead of driving, try walking or cycling to your destination.
- In commute? Get off a stop earlier and walk the remainder of the way.
- Start walking your children to school or your pet around the neighborhood.
- Stop trying to find that perfect spot while running errands, park far and walk the distance.
- On lunch break? Go for a walk.
- Skip the escalator or elevator and take the stairs.
- Have a question for a coworker? Walk to their desk rather than sending an email.
- Instead of opting for the movies or going out to eat on the weekends, plan a hike or a day at the local park.
These simple steps can go a long way. By exercising a minimum of 30 minutes a day can lead to a healthier state of mind.
It's never too late to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle. It's very important for us to not only treat people when they're sick, but also to keep our community healthy. The Patient Education and Wellness Program of Community Care Physicians brings together four key elements to help you achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle: weight management, medical nutrition therapy, diabetes education, and LiFE® group classes. For more information or to make an appointment, please call: (518) 713-5347.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9476-fad-diets
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/index.html
https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/be-active/importance-of-physical-activity/index.html