So far, we have discussed carbohydrates and fats. Today, we are going to visit ever so briefly that taboo subject of healthy eating.
I realize that there are many interpretations of what is healthy (improves the overall metabolism of an individual) and what is not. I only consult with individuals, not groups, on how to improve the value of their diet (the foods and drinks they consume on a regular basis). Please know that what I am about to say is generally true, and not necessarily true for every individual.
This month, March, is National Nutrition Month (www.eatright.org/nnm), created by the American Dietetic Association (thanks to J. Scelso for drawing this to my attention). You can learn a lot from these people, and a visit to their site is always informative. However, a healthy diet is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. It's a wonderful place to start if your diet is far off the mark, but if you can't just bring yourself to follow the advice in a general forum like this, please find a consultant or a nutritionist who can help you to modify your current eating plan so that you can improve your overall health.
Why is that important? Well, you know you need more of certain carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids. You might need less of other carbohydrates and perhaps saturated fats. You also need proteins, vitamins, minerals and a host of other things; and there are some things which, in my opinion, you do NOT need, which we have yet to discuss.
Figuring that stuff out on your own isn't easy, and making it taste good and fit into how YOU eat can be really tough. Anyone who's tried to quit smoking knows that changing a habit "cold turkey" is NOT the easiest thing to do, and while some succeed the chances of failure are much higher. The same goes for changing your eating habits; just try waking up one morning and deciding it's an all-salad and liquid meal supplement day and see how long it lasts. I'd bet a cheeseburger and fries on failure within the first couple of days.
An individualized plan means you have a wonderful chance at success. If you're going to do this on your own, make sure you are well informed, read lots before you start, be sure you're really motivated, and have a support system in place. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and work as though your life depended on it. It just might.
One place to ask questions is right here. Your questions are ALWAYS welcome.
Always,
Dr. P
Excellent, as always Dr. P! (And I love the new look of the blog!! Rows of books are always a hit here, lol!)
ReplyDeleteI have a 'how to make a diet more healthy' question for you if you have a chance to touch on some day. Vince eats only meat, cheese, potatoes & pasta and a few grains (rice, occasionally he'll eat quinoa) He will not touch vegetables, legumes or fruit, even used in sauces or condiments. :-P
I've tried the "Sneaky Chef" route of adding veggies to meatloaf, burgers etc but he will often push those away too. Of course all 4 boys follow their father's lead, they're a *little* better about veggies and they will eat fruit but I am still so stressed by their meat heavy diet (and I'm positive that 40 years of eating this way is totally going to KILL DH!) I would LOVE some tips, is it as dangerous a diet as I think it is?
Yes, Kerrie, you're right. After 40 years, it's probably more of a habit than anything else, and would come under the category of food aversion. It's probably not something you could tackle on your own, and do NOT let your children follow his lead.
ReplyDeleteHe needs to explore why he has this aversion to things that grow, and begin with just one thing. If he can't do it on his own, there are people who specialize in this area. I am not one of them.
Hope this helps,
Dr. P