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!
A Circle of Giving: A Tribute to My Friend Dr. Ann Tonnu
Last weekend, some friends and I attended an introductory lecture about the power of meditation on health and lowering stress. The instructor, a radiologist named Dr. Arnold Raizon, reminded us of the difference between empathy and compassion. When you feel empathic about a person’s circumstance, you are trying to “walk in their shoes.” Compassion, however,…
What’s New with Flu 2015-16?
What’s New with Flu (2015-2016) Once again it is time to have the discussion about the importance of the annual flu vaccine. As we all know, influenza is a highly contagious viral illness which can land people in the hospital and kills many each year. Add to that, the failure of last year’s vaccine and…
Beautiful People: What I Learned from My Medical Missions
Beautiful people You live in the same world as I doBut somehow I never noticedYou before todayI’m ashamed to say Beautiful peopleWe share the same back doorAnd it isn’t rightWe never met beforeBut thenWe may never meet againIf I weren’t afraid you’d laugh at meI would run and take all your handsAnd I’d gather everyone…
Yoga for Life
I enjoy gaining daily insight and knowledge.Years of formal education, fitness training and Bible study have allowed me to stretch my intellectual, physical and spiritual boundaries. However, nothing challenges all of them at the same time for me as much Bikram yoga. Maybe it’s because for me Bikram is a metaphor for daily life. Sometimes, I…
Our Kids, the American Dream in Crisis — Reflections on Dr. Robert D. Putnam’s Book
Several days ago, my husband and I went to a gathering at Georgetown University to meet a group of premed undergraduate students all from the Georgetown Scholarship Program (GSP), a program for low income students. I had read about these students in the summer in a Washington Post article. The reporter, Daureen Brown, told a…
Behind Each Face, There’s a Story
Today, Betsy was placed on hospice care. Her Alzheimer’s has worsened; often she can no longer swallow or turn her head to gaze at her visitors or the hospital staff. She was hospitalized for a week with a fever and had a full workup including CT scan confirming again that a part of her brain…
October 15 – National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness
It’s an American norm to name days and months after selected causes. The purpose can vary: to build awareness, bring attention to, or to give words to something that is likely unspoken. October is designated for a number of causes, including National Domestic Abuse Awareness, Eczema Awareness, National Breast Cancer Awareness, and one that we…
What I Learned From My Vegetable Garden
In late spring, my husband David and I and some friends from our Lady Docs Corner Cafe group started funding a project for the William Penn House, a wonderful Quaker organization in Southeast Washington D.C., to plant garden boxes for some families in the areas. Inner city residents in Washington D.C. have a big problems…
As the School Year Begins—How Do We Plant the Seeds of Good Mental Health?
With the start of the school year, students, teachers, and parents usually experience a mix of hope and anxiety as they anticipate the school year and the challenges and opportunities ahead. Students benefit from having tools for handling the inevitable stresses that the school year will bring. Involvement in extracurricular activities such as sports and…
September 11, a Day of Reflection
Today was my Friday off. I went to the Gym for an intense but fun bootcamp class. My friend Dr. Diane Laurin was there for the class too, and to pick up a parcel from me. It’s September 11, and we are in the same exercise class. I reminded Diane how, ironically, just a few…