This is definitely one of those topics that only gets more confusing the more you read. So, you need to have a philosophy about it and fit each new bit of information into your overall framework. That way, you're not constantly reeling from 'no carbs' to 'low fat' to 'grapefruits only' to whatever is in. Among physicians, there isn't any consensus about what is best for you. The only thing we can probably agree on is that no one diet suits everyone. In this section, over time, we hope to provide enough helpful information so you can make healthful decisions on your own.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is that fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should make up most of your intake. Lean protein such as fish, chicken, turkey or tofu, nuts, lentils. and beans should comprise the rest. The most important to me is eating 'whole foods' as they come out of the ground and limiting processed foods as much as possible. The food industry has studied and perfected combining the most tempting, and at times addictive, combinations of fat, salt, and sugar in restaurant and supermarket offerings. They know how to keep you coming back for more.
Varying what you eat can keep your meals interesting. I aim to include 'superfoods' such as spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin, blueberries, and hemp seed, which I think are delicious. Experiment with foods that contain antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, lycopene (think tomatoes), and beta-carotene (pumpkin and carrots). These and many others are beneficial when eaten in 'whole foods' but not when taken in pill form.
Of course, not one nutrition plan suits everyone, since food preferences or intolerance and medical issues must be considered.
But for the majority of people, if you eat whole foods and nourish your body and soul with a wholesome variety of nutritious foods, your mind and body will thank you. Often, people don't realize that fatigue, insomnia, depression, and other issues are closely tied to what we eat. In our posts in this section, we'll provide some practical information and keep you posted on the latest and greatest in nutrition news. Send us your questions!
I Am Grateful for Aleppo’s Suffering
I used to wonder why some humans do not seem to mind inflicting pain on others. Why can’t we all try to get along with each other? Why can’t we, especially if we are religious, practice what we were taught in churches and temples and mosques that everyone should try to be kind and loving…
The Positive Health Benefits of Being Outdoors
Although this post is about exercising and associated health impacts, let me begin by stating that being outdoors is good for your mental wellbeing. Even spending a short time outdoors goes a long way to improve focus, creativity and self-esteem! Perhaps, this is what prompted the great Naturalist John Muir to state “In every walk…
Love is Love!
Two years ago, I wrote a book review on The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor, a Harvard psychologist who cites the seven principles of positive psychology which, he believes, help people succeed at work. Principle #7, on social investment, stuck in my mind as the most important one of all. One sentence in this chapter stood out…
Now More Than Ever Our Children Need a Sense of Calm
In these times of conflict and polarization of our society, we need love and compassion more than ever. It doesn’t matter which side you are on politically; you can’t deny the charged and contentious atmosphere. It’s palpable. I, for one, worry for our children. Children are a lot like animals in their ability to sense…
Do Not Stress Out, We Will Survive!
“When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful, A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical. And all the birds in the trees, well they’d be singing so happily, Joyfully, playfully watching me. But then they sent me away to teach me how to be sensible, Logical, responsible, practical. And they showed me…
The Power of Strength
Here’s what drove home the importance of strength training to me. I was helping my daughter get one last piece of IKEA furniture – I must say we are MASTER IKEA furniture putter-togethers! We were able to get the kitchen table into her car, but then came the chore of carrying it up a few…
To Be Nice or To Be Tough as The Route to Happiness
There are only three more days before the 2016 presidential election ends. As many of us would agree, no matter which political side we are on, we will be relieved of the pain and suffering this president campaign season has caused to our mental health. I even wonder if 2016 president campaign will be known…
What is Lifestyle Medicine – and what can it do for me?
Lifestyle medicine – just the name conjures up thoughts of docs lying on a beach, drink in hand, stethoscope dangling just above the sand, doesn’t it? I just returned from a conference hosted by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine with four other doctors from our group. Even the T-shirt for the event has palm…
Physician Burnout: Confession of a Former Workaholic
Several days ago, I went with many women physician friends to Montgomery County Medical Society meeting. Part of the meeting included a panel discussion of physician wellness. Physician burnout is not a new topic but has taken on a serious toll, with about 400 physician suicides each year. Women physicians have a four times higher risk of…
On Leaving Home, a Time to Grow Up for Our Child or Us?
I never left home for college. My family came to the U. S. only three years before I went to college. With three older siblings in college at the time, all we could afford was the closest university to our home (we lived in Columbus, Ohio) back then, which was Ohio State University. All my…