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!
Walking with the Spirits: A Journey through a Sun Dance Ceremony in South Dakota
The story I am about to tell you might sound like fiction, but I lived it just a few weeks ago. As my plane landed at National Airport on the way back home, I still couldn’t believe I had lived through such a fascinating journey. What was left with me was a sense of awe…
Dr. Mary Marovich on NPR with Kojo Nnamdi
Our colleague and fellow bootcamper Dr. Mary Marovich, was interviewed on Monday August 25, 2014 on NPR by Kojo Nnamdi about the future of medical trials. Did you know that only 3% of people who are invited to enroll in studies for medications or vaccines actually agree to participate? Did you ever wonder what people…
Brief Announcement – Dr. Mary Marovich on NPR
Our very own Dr. Mary Marovich, was interviewed today, Monday August 25, 2014, on NPR by Kojo Nnamdi about the future of medical trials. Did you know that only 3% of people who are invited to enroll in studies for medications or vaccines actually agree to participate? Did you ever wonder what people are told…
Change Makes a Difference
I know quite a few people who are reluctant to change. Change means letting go of what is comfortable, letting someone else influence of some aspect of my life, or admitting failure at what I am doing. When I dig down deeper into this resistance to change, it usually comes down to fear, stubbornness and…
Finding Iris Chang: Friendship, Ambition and the Loss of an Extraordinary Mind by Paula Kamen, published by Da Capo Press, 2007
This book review is many months in the making and was scheduled to be published this week when the sad news about Robin Williams broke. My reaction to the death of Williams reminded me of my reaction when I first read about Iris Chang, another genius who is the subject of this book and who…
Perspective in Times of Turmoil
I thought the last three weeks were horrendous at work. I had little time to exercise except for the weekends that I was not on call. I skipped lunch many times at the office. Instead, my assistant Roxanne and I would have a bite of a snack on and off while entering our patients’ data…
Exercising Outside the Box
A few weeks ago I was asked if I wanted to participate in a Hockey Moms hockey program. Believe it or not, there were no criteria for inclusion. I gave it some thought, and though I have only ever skated on figure skates (a long time ago I might add) and I’m not really a…
Strengthen! Sweat! Stretch!
It is mentally and physically difficult to get conditioned after a prolonged break from exercise. Your body feels foreign in that it is more weak, tired and slow than you remember it being. Your mind is baffled by how weak, tired and slow your body is. You kind of just want to sit on a…
Monitoring Cardiovascular Exercise Intensity
A fantastic way to ensure you are getting the greatest benefit from your cardio exercise is to use a heart rate monitor. If you are still working on building exercise into your life and developing a consistent routine, you most likely need not worry about cardio intensity. But for those exercisers who are focused on…
Happy Father’s Day!
I thought the last three weeks were horrendous at work. I had little time to exercise except for the weekends that I was not on call. I skipped lunch many times at the office. Instead, my assistant Roxanne and I would have a bite of a snack on and off while entering our patients’ data…