Fort Lauderdale Acupuncture, Inc. 

Nutrition: Eating the Diet That is Right for You...

Inspite of the hundreds of books out on nutrition and diet, more Americans than ever before are struggling with obesity. We are the fattest nation in the world and we have the most weight related health problems. The top 3 causes of death in America are heart disease, cancer and stroke and obesity has links to all three. Weight and dietary management are key to staying healthy.
    One of the most alarming developments in the last 40 years has been the rapid growth of the processed and fast food industries. These foods are filled with chemicals and preservatives and generally have higher contents of fats, sugar and salt. Very little of this food provides your body with the real nutrition it craves. The calorie content of one fast food meal often exceeds the recommended caloric intake for a whole day! It is important that these foods are removed from your diet as that they could be the very source of your health complaint.

Tips for Healthier Eating...

Consider the following:

• The food you eat should be fresh. Fresh food has the highest nutritional value and is full of living organisms that nourish your body. This means when you go to the supermarket, purchase only from the aisle that forms the store's perimeter. Buy only paper goods and non-food items from the aisles in the center of the store.
  
• Keep a food diary. Make a notation of everything that goes in your mouth. This will help you better understand your eating behavior. Also make notations in your diary about your emotions at the time you were eating. If you are an "emotional" eater this can help you better understand your behaviour.
• Eliminate: sugar, frozen food, canned food and packaged food.
• Eat meat, fish & fowl that is organic and has not been exposed to pesticides, hormones or antibiotics
• Eat organic vegetables and fruits. Both are filled with essential antioxidants that nourish and protect the body.

Perfect Weight 

Dr. Rowe counsels many of her patients on weight management issues. It is a complex area of health as it involves not only dietary choices but a variety of other factors. These include:

• Family history, genetics
• Age
• Hormonal function
• Toxicity
• Digestive function
• Diet and eating behavior
  
• Stress factors
• Exercise

By analyzing the above factors it can give you a roadmap to the areas that need attention and improvement and also give you a realistic goal to work towards.
    The most important part of any weight management program is that it becomes a lifestyle choice you enjoy because you feel better, look better and are full of energy. Because it is a lifestyle it never leaves you feeling deprived, starving or craving foods that are not good for you. This type of feeling cannot be acheived or maintained through weight loss pills, crash diets or excessive exercise. All three are ineffective and in many cases dangerous to your health.

   Always remember: prior to starting any weight management program consult with a physician. A physician can properly coach you to success and alter the program as you meet your goals.