I was recently interviewed by Debbie Walker, host of the Natural Health Radio show. One of her questions was, “There are so many aspects to healthy living, so why do most people only focus on supplements and dieting?”
That is a great question that points to a larger problem within our culture that wants the results of hard work without any of the hard work. In my opinion the best way to look better, feel better, and be better is to make lifestyle modifications. This is something that is being talked about extensively in health care circles recently, and I’m thankful, because it’s something that I’ve been talking about for years with my patients, especially the ones that are diabetic. I’ve counseled several people lately who told me that their number one health goal is to lose some weight and get in better shape.
I want to share with you what I tell people who come to me seeking help. I can speak to this problem because I’ve lived it. In my mid 30’s, I found myself out of shape, 25 pounds over weight, not sleeping well, and feeling tired all the time. Fortunately for me, I had a friend who invited me to a seminar where I heard two nutritionists, Jean and Joyce Daoust. They had just written a book titled 40-30-30 Fat Burning Nutrition. I met them after their seminar, got an autographed copy of their book and began reading it and putting into practice the things that they taught. I made the lifestyle changes, and lifestyle is definitely the key word. The principles they taught about eating, exercise, drinking water, was not just something that I did temporarily. I made it my lifestyle. Now I can tell you that today at the age of 55, I am in much better health than I was at 35, and the 25 pounds that I lost, I never gained it back!
True lifestyle change begins with your diet. This is what I tell people every day. If you want to be in better shape, if you want to lose the weight, you’ve got to change the way you eat and drink, but it’s not just about losing weight, it’s about living healthier and about being fit. The way I have achieved that goal in my life is by a balanced diet. When I begin counseling a new patient, I ask them to record everything they eat and drink for 7 days in a row. What I find every time is that most people are nowhere close to eating balanced meals. If you want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight then getting the right balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats at every meal is essential. These are three macro nutrients that make up our food choices. I also find with this diary that the type of carbohydrates most people are consuming contributes to their unhealthy lifestyle. Most people are eating way too many of what are called simple carbs. These carbs are quickly converted to sugar in our bodies. What people need more of are complex carbs, such as vegetables and low glycemic fruits. Most of these people tell me that they don’t understand why their blood sugar is so high, and why they can’t lose weight because they are “eating really good.” After I explain to them what really good really is they find out that they’re eating habits aren’t as good as they thought they were. Most people have a very poor understanding of what good nutrition is, and when I tell them what they really should be eating, I often get responses like, “I can’t eat that stuff,” or “There’s no way I’m gonna eat that.” A lot of times people will tell me that they know what to do and what to eat, but they just can’t discipline themselves to do it. They don’t have the willpower or they lack motivation.
Here’s what I think though! I say you do have will power, what you lack is the actual will to make the change! I’ve touched on this subject before and you can check it out by clicking here!
I encourage you to exercise your will and begin making changes in your diet and lifestyle! This month is national fruits and vegetables month so there is no better time to add those great complex carbs to your diet! If you want to learn more about proper diet and nutrition and living a healthier lifestyle, be sure to tune in to the Feeling Good Friday broadcast on Facebook Live every Friday around the noonday hour central time! You can also subscribe to The Feeling Good Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher.
Healthy blessings,
Dr. Phil