“Think about your body . . . Get to know your food.”
A Health Physical First
Part of a healthy lifestyle should include building a relationship with your doctor and having a physical, including blood work. While you are with your doctor, you can discuss nutritional and exercise information. A lifestyle or routine may be modified, depending on discussions with doctors about any food restrictions or personal health and nutritional requirements. Food restrictions must be addressed and food selection should be made accordingly.
Knowing Your Numbers
Some of the numbers we consider are the following:
Cholesterol
Blood Pressure
Sugar
Weight
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calorie Count for Weight Loss or Healthy Maintenance
Different people vary in the amount of structure they use to organize themselves. One important question to ask, “What am I currently eating and how is the food affecting my body?” Having an understanding of the food you are eating and how it affects your body helps you to make choices and adjustments to your routine, based upon the real life experiences and challenges during the course of each day. That is the daily flexibility that can be built into your approach that reinforces its sustainability over the long term.
People may not be aware that they have a personal approach to food. Everyone has an approach to food, whether by choice or by default. A sensible approach to food inspires confidence in daily choices.
Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension, Cancer and Other Concerns
Many times, doctors will have specific instructions or restrictions for their patients. Once a person knows what foods are permitted to included in a daily menu, it is possible to plan to prepare those foods in a delicious and nutritious way. It may be easier to follow the doctor’s instructions, if those foods are enjoyable. Complementing your meals with fresh foods and delicious vegetables can help you to meet your nutritional requirements.
Gluten Intolerance, Dairy Free and More
Some people have an intolerance or allergy to certain types of foods. In the past, this made it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This situation has improved. The good news is that the increase in demand for these products has resulted in an increase in availability at more local food stores.
Food Allergies
Allergies are serious to those who suffer from them. Consulting a doctor and reading labels becomes a must when making food choices. It is important for each person to understand individual concerns to make responsible food choices.
With a careful approach, a world of enjoyable food becomes available that can produce a synergy to provide the nutrition that is best suited to each person.
