Here we go, entering what can be the most wonderful time of the year. It can also be the busiest time of the year. We put undue stress and expectation on ourselves and others. We overextend ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. This whirlwind of a season can take its toll, so remember to take good care of yourself as you embark!
WHAT IS HEALTHY?
Of course, we all want to take good care of ourselves. We put it on autopilot and resurrect those tried and true “healthy habits” to help ensure we survive the holidays. The question is, are the things that I have always thought of as healthy actually healthy? I did a little research and was reminded that perhaps what we have always abided by may need some revision.
A FEW EXAMPLES
The following are a few examples of some “healthy habits” that could be causing you more harm than good.
- Relying on supplements to get proper nutrients. Scientists are just beginning to identify the thousands of plant nutrients that can help prevent cancer, hear disease and diabetes, making it impossible to isolate and put in a pill. Nutrition should come primarily from a balanced diet.
- Healthy food labels. The words “low carb, natural, heart healthy and low fat” are marketing ploys that make you believe what the packaging says is the entire truth. Read your label. If you can’t pronounce or identify the long list of ingredients on some of these highly processed foods, you might want to skip them.
- Just one drink or only on weekends. If you imbibe, one glass of wine or cocktail can turn into a few. Alcohol interrupts sleep cycles. Deprivation can lead to binging. Yes, research indicated red wine offers protective qualities against heart disease but if one turns into many, we may want to evaluate benefit verses risk. Moderation is a great idea.
- Eat your veggies. Nope, not always. My husband says “always use olive oil to cook kale. It makes it easier to scrape out into the trash!” Don’t eat what you don’t like. There are plenty of veggies to choose from.
- Healthy yogurt? Those flavored yogurts we reach for in the morning are just glorified thawed ice cream. They are loaded with sugar which leads to insulin spikes=potential weight gain.
- Entirely eliminating carbs. They are not all evil. While avoiding processed carbs like white sugar, flour, rice and pasta, whole grains have fiber and also foster the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Eating salad. Salad is a great option if you do it properly. It can also be a dietary nightmare if you load up on toppings and dressings which can make it more calorie dense than a sandwich!
HDD
I hope these few examples get you to think or rethink what we believe to be healthy. Afterall, when you have your health, you have it all. If we can be instrumental in evaluating or diagnosing your health via diagnostic ultrasound, call us at 505-350-3397.