Did you know that the United States spends significantly more money on health care than any other nation? Yet despite significant increases in health care spending, obesity and obesity-related conditions have increased dramatically. More than 75% of our health care spending is on people with chronic conditions. Good nutrition can help lower risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, some cancers, and osteoporosis.
Unfortunately, doctors get little training on nutrition- the average medical student gets only about 20 hours of nutrition instruction. And although things are starting to change, the truth is that many medical students and physicians feel ill-equipped to counsel their patients on diet. After treating patients with chronic diseases in the Emergency Room every day for many years, I developed an interest in the role that food and diet can play in preventing disease. Instead of simply writing a prescription, I started counseling my patients on ways they could take control of their health through dietary and lifestyle changes.
I believe that food, medicine, health, and wellness are all integrally related. My philosophy is simple:
- Follow a well-balanced diet filled with lots of nutrient-dense, whole foods
- Limit the amount of processed foods
- Eat in moderation
- Maintain an active, balanced, and fulfilling lifestyle
- Cook at home as often as possible
- Enjoy delicious food and be happy!
You can take control over your own health and well-being. It's important to know what you're eating and how to prepare tasty, high-quality meals so that you can make smart food choices all day long. You have the power to make positive changes in your life and it starts in the kitchen! Not only is cooking fun, it also brings people together and is a wonderful way to share memories and pass down family traditions. Plus, when you cook at home, you can control the ingredients and the cooking methods- no hidden ingredients like the ones you often find in packaged food or restaurant dishes. By cooking at home, not only will you be putting yourself on the path to lifelong good health, you'll also feel like a rock star when your family and friends devour your culinary creations!
Not too confident in the kitchen? No worries, I have you covered! Head on over to the CULINARY 101 page to learn some of the tricks that I learned in culinary school. Also, check out the RECIPES page to get some ideas.
ARTICLES:
Tips for Improving Your Gut Health
RESOURCES:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
