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!
How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman, M.D.
How Doctors Think By Jerome Groopman, M.D. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007 This book, How Doctors Think, inspired me to improve my skills as a practicing physician. This fascinating read, written by Dr. Groopman, who is a frequent medical writer and a prominent hematologist/oncologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, details the cognitive processes that…
How the World Has Changed!
Over the years, I have seen many storms including the horrendous Derecho last year when we lost four huge poplar trees in our yard, with one blocking an entrance of our circular driveway. My neighborhood’s image changed after the storm, with hundreds of poplar trees taken down by our neighbors for fear of another nasty…
A quick upper body workout
With the assistance of Troy Wentzlaff The incidence of osteoporosis increases with age in men and women. Many are aware of the benefits in this regard that walking or jogging is good weight-bearing exercise for building stronger bones. Your upper body benefits from ‘weight-bearing’ as well. I agree with Thu that toned arms are a…
Peace and Love on September 11, 2013
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” – Mother Teresa “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we…
Public Health Mythbusters:Do everyday appliances increase our risk for cancer?
Researched and written by Nisha Puntambekar and Andrea Vaught This is the second round of our Public Health Mythbusters series where we address another major health concern that has been appearing more frequently in the news: cancer risks associated with common household items. We have all read the articles about microwaves and cell phone usage…
Serena Williams Won US Open 2013!
I just can’t help but telling you how excited I was to see Serena Williams winning the Women’s U.S. Open 2013! As all my friends and family know, I have never been a good sports spectator. I get distracted easily and always believe it is a big chunk of time that many of us waste watching…
Calcium Sources in the Diet
Recently, concerns have been raised about the potential for calcium supplements to increase the risk for heart disease. On the other hand, we know that calcium intake is important for prevention of osteoporosis, and very few of us have adequate amounts in our diets. Calcium is important for bone health and for many other bodily…
It’s Time to Let the Children Go
“Where are you going, my little one, little one, Where are you going, my baby, my own? Turn around and you’re two Turn around and you’re four Turn around and you’re a young girl going out of my door. Turn around, turn around, Turn around and you’re a young girl going out of my door.” …
August Health Pearls
August Health News 1. Taller women have an increased risk of cancer, Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, 2013; 22(8): 1353-63. As part of the Women’s Health Initiative study, which followed 144,709 women, all postmenopausal, ages 50-74, researchers found that for every 4 inches of height over 5 feet, the risk of cancer rose by 13%. “Height was…
Stand straight and tall
Hope you had a chance to read Troy’s first blog on this website. It reminded us all of the great power of the mind over the body and how important that is to pursuing regular exercise and keeping in shape. Along those lines, he has shown us two great exercises to strengthen the posture of…