Saturday, March 12, 2011

Watching What We Eat

Of all the things we can do to stay healthy, putting in the right nutrients will always be front and center. I remember well working at the football stadium concession stand in college, taking an order for bratwurst, nacho's and "a diet soda." It is almost as oxymoronic as the label on marshmallows that reads, "a non fat food." Who is kidding who here? I think we all have a good understanding of how to eat healthy but many of us lack the will power to do it. It is not necessary to go to extreme's. Beware of the latest fad diet. By definition it will not last. What we need is a way of life that includes healthy food. I often refer to this as "God's food." I like to tell my patients, "If it grows on a tree, a bush or is dug out of the ground, it is better than if it is in a wrapper, can or a box." The less "Man's food," or processed food, we eat, the better we will be. Fruits and vegetables are the perfect fast food. They come with their own wrapper and can be eaten anywhere. They are full of nutrients, vitamins and fiber. They are more filling than processed carbohydrates and will make it less likely that we will over eat. We should eat four to five servings a day.

God's Food

Man's Food

Meats should be eaten sparingly remembering that fish is the best followed by chicken and turkey. Some pork is not bad but bacon and sausage are very fatty and should be avoided. Red meat should be saved for a special occasion.

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