Did you know fewer than 1 in 10 American adults eat the recommended daily servings of veggies and fewer than 1 in 7 eat enough fruit?
Statistically—whether you think you eat a well-balanced diet or know you could do better—there’s a very good chance your daily nutritional needs aren’t being met.
March is National Nutrition Month® and the Good Clinic is here to help you take your health and wellbeing to the next level.
Food as medicine
Hippocrates famously said, “’Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” If you haven’t thought about the nutritional value of the foods you put in your body for a while, it may be time for a reboot.
“The benefits of healthy eating are almost too numerous to mention,” says Family Nurse Practitioner Angela Laughlin. “Several studies have shown that a diet rich in nutritious foods can help strengthen your bones and muscles; boost your immune system; keep your skin, teeth, and eyes healthy; and even lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.”
One trick is to Eat the Rainbow. Each color represents a different phytonutrient profile. Throughout the day, try to incorporate all the colors in the rainbow: red peppers, oranges, bananas, spinach, and blueberries. Add lean protein, whole grains, and some healthy fats and oils and you’ve reached that pot of gold.
The Good Clinic is here to help
The Good Clinic offers individualized wellness counseling visits to help you understand, connect and improve your physical and mental health. This exam covers the basics, like taking your vital signs and performing a comprehensive panel of lab tests. In addition, our nurse practitioner will conduct a stress management inventory, determine your sleep profile, and perform a diet and exercise screening. Then, we’ll work with you to create a comprehensive, you-focused plan to help you meet your health goals.
“Your food choices don’t have to be perfect,” says Laughlin, “but informed choices are a great place to start. Adding things like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli to soups and omelets will give them a blast of color, nutrients, and flavor. Whatever your personal tastes and cultural background, it’s amazing how much better you’ll feel eating a diet that centers on fresh fruits and vegetables. Then adds in whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, nuts and seeds, and lean proteins.”
At The Good Clinic, we believe that health does not happen in silos. It’s all connected: your lifestyle, physical health, mental health, resources, and relationships. Getting the right amount of fresh, nutritious foods should be central to any healthcare plan.
Book an appointment with The Good Clinic today. We’re here to get you well and help you stay that way.
Photo by Geraud pfeiffer: https://www.pexels.com/photo/various-fresh-vegetables-and-fruits-on-table-6608618/