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!
Fall Prevention: Some Quick Tips
Falling is a significant cause of injury and death in older individuals. This article elaborates on risk factors for falls and steps that should be taken to reduce those risks. Between thirty to forty percent of people over 65 and more than fifty percent over the age of 80 fall each year. [i] Many factors contribute…
Apologies for recent technical difficulties
We had some technical difficulties this week. In case you missed the latest posts, we had one about Headaches and one about the Sisterhood of the Lady Docs. Last Saturday, Linda posted a review on a Hopkins neurologist, Dr. David Buchholz’s Heal Your Headaches: The 1-2-3 Approach to Taking Charge of Your Pain. The next day,…
Featured Move: Oblique Twist Situp
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An Evening Gathering of the Lady Docs
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Featured Move: The Basic Sit-Up
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Update on the 2014 Army Ten Miler
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Obesity: Nature or Nurture?
Some people collect dolls, others collect coins. I collect articles on obesity. I am most interested in the psychological and social contributors because I feel that is where intervention can make a difference. As a gastroenterologist, I treat several illnesses, such as fatty liver and acid reflux, which are affected by patients’ weight. As a…
Time of Fear, Time of Love: Are You Living Your Life?
I am sure many of you are living in “fear” mode over the last few months. The Middle East seems to be in one of its most chaotic and unsafe moments. One innocent man after another was beheaded with the barbaric murder shown around the world on video and social media, side by side with…
Dr. Nadia Hashimi on WTOP – Youth Exercise Leads to Cognitive Development
Dr. Nadia Hashimi was interviewed on WTOP regarding a recent study showing the advantages of exercise for youth. She pointed out that although the most obvious benefits include becoming more physically fit and reducing the risk of obesity, this study showed that cognitive skills actually improved with exercise. She said that the results of the…
Lady Docs Bootcamp On the Air
Paula Wolfson, health reporter for WTOP 103.5, joined Lady Docs at bootcamp on Saturday, September 20th. Troy, Thu and I had the pleasure of chatting with her afterwards as over 20 bootcampers caught up over brunch after being away at various times over the summer. Paula likened our group to a sisterhood, which it certainly…