How Do I Begin A Healthy Diet?

4 Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor About Your Diet

People focusing on healthy nutrition have lots of questions.   With so many trendy diets and lots of conflicting advice out there, it can be overwhelming to begin a lifestyle change.    There is no one-size-fits-all solution.  But there are proven strategies to achieve basic healthy nutrition.

Question One – “I’ve never focused on nutrition much before.  Where do I start?”

At Foresight Chiropractic, we believe the first step is to identify and focus on the core deficiencies of your diet.  We don’t recommend a major overhaul on day one.   That’s because, until these deficiencies are fixed, your body won’t function correctly. We recommend adding quality nutrients first before taking away the bad ones.  Once you begin adding healthier options, without feeling deprived of other foods you may enjoy, you will naturally desire more healthful outcomes and begin reducing and eliminating items that don’t serve you.

For most people, this means eating more quality protein, drinking more pure water, getting enough of the essential vitamins and minerals, and adding healthy fats.  These steps alone will get your body working better in a short time. To help assist your body, good whole food supplements may be needed until diet has been optimized.

Once nutritional deficiencies are addressed, you can start to focus on things like food quality (i.e. eat whole, minimally processed foods) and food amount (i.e. portions, calories). 

Question Two -- “What’s the best diet to follow?” 

All dietary protocols have their pros and cons. No one diet is best for everyone.  We believe in helping patients find the approach that works best for them. The best diet lifestyle is the one that matches the person’s unique physiology and is something they enjoy enough to follow consistently.

You can become lean, strong and healthy on a plant-based or a meat-based diet.  You can definitely improve your health with organic, free-range, minimally processed foods and incorporating healthy fats.  You can lose weight on a low food budget or an unlimited one. 

Question 3 -- “Should I avoid carbs?”

Most people have heard that they need to drastically cut back on carbs (carbohydrates) in order to lose weight.  However, the needs of each person will differ based on activity level, goals, genetics, and preferences.  Carbs are not inherently fattening, especially from whole food sources.  Getting adequate carbs can help most people exercise harder, have more energy, and optimize their lifestyle change progress.

Most people do best eating a moderate amount (two to three handfuls per day) of quality carbs—whole grains, fruit, vegetables, sweet potatoes, and limited amounts of beans and legumes.

Question 4 – “Should I avoid fat?”

Your body needs good healthy fats to function properly and is an essential part of a balanced diet. Omega 3 fatty acids are critical for your brain and your mood. Healthy fats are needed to help the body absorb vitamin A, D, K, and E.  Everyone is different and as a general guideline, 30% of calories should be from healthy fats and eaten at every meal.

Fat gives you energy and helps increase satiety – feeling full and satisfied – minimizing the desire to overeat and snack. Fat also helps to reduce the glycemic impact of a meal, so your blood sugar does not spike and then plummet, causing you to feel tired when blood sugar levels drop.  

Healthy fats are found in foods like avocados, coconuts, nuts, and seeds such as flax and chia seeds, and in animal foods. Organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised, wild animal foods have higher anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats and are recommended for healthier diets.

These are some great recommendations to begin your new journey to a healthier lifestyle.  A healthy diet is the core of a healthy journey. You cannot exercise your way out of a bad diet. 

How Do I Begin A Healthy Diet?

For more information about pursuing a healthier lifestyle, call 480-325-6977 and ask about our complimentary community health classes and to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal upper cervical doctor and Wellness practitioner at Foresight Chiropractic. The doctors and staff at the Valley’s premier Wellness Center partner with you to help you reach your goals and live your best possible life. We also offer the best Therapeutic Massage, BEMER Vascular Therapy, and Advanced Muscle Integration Technique.  Call today and take control of your life and your future.

 

Fill Out Form
Receive Free Consultation!