We may know that diet plays a crucial role in prevention of disease and healing from illness, but for many of us, it can revolve around our weight and the look of it.
When a new year comes around, it can be time to lose a few pounds in order to fit into those old skinny jeans, but what if health was the major reason for changing your diet?
The result could be an extraordinary slowing of the aging process both on the inside and out!
When we are solely focused on changing something just to look a certain way, we can find ourselves up against a short-term goal that can fall away easily, or, we may engage in harmful strategies that make us look one way on the outside, but wreak havoc on the inside.
This is why changing the reason for our diet may be the answer to both feeling good and looking good.
Internally, a healthy diet can:
– reduce inflammation
– increase immunity and disease prevention
– support and heal the gut
– protect the heart and cardiovascular system
– calm the nervous system
– strengthen bones
– boost the brain
– improve sleep
– enhance oral health
– uplift mood
and so much more!
Externally, this can naturally lead to:
– weight loss and management
– healthier hair and nails
– soft, hydrated skin
– less wrinkles
– a healthy smile
Many times, Dr. Graves finds that when diets are motivated by means of getting healthy, extra pounds naturally come off as a result and external elements such as skin, hair, and nails look stronger and healthier.
This type of perspective can also lead to more success and long-term enjoyment of a certain diet – helpful to keep those resolutions in place!
With this type of mindset on diet, it is also helpful to address such issues as:
– emotional traumas and stress that may be affecting your diet choices
– your personal view of weight and youthful looks and their meaning in your life
– feelings associated with diet and our culture’s expectations
– current health concerns and goals for your future
These can all be difficult questions to ponder, but when we take a step back and think about how our minds interpret diets, it can help us understand why we may make the choices we do.
This can result in the quest to find new techniques to stay off the rollercoaster of “dieting” and allow us to still enjoy while reaping optimal health benefits.
How to choose a diet?
Take inventory first!
Before selecting a diet, think about what needs extra care in your life.
Is it stress management?
Better sleep?
Pain relief?
Gut healing?
Focus on choosing a diet that supports any issues you are having.
Types of Diets
Want to improve your eating habits, but not sure what to do?
Fortunately, there are many to choose from and creating your own can be a viable option, too!
For many, following a specific diet plan is helpful.
Click here for information on common diets such as:
Intermittent Fasting
Ketogenic Diet
Whole30
Paleo Diet
Lectin-Free Diet
For others, adhering to a set plan may seem too restrictive or may not necessarily speak to specific issues. In this case, consider making one of your own such as:
Eating to Increase Immunity (with emphasis foods that contain vitamin C, zinc, selenium, and iron)
A diet to Decrease Inflammation (such as including more antioxidant superfoods, omega 3 fatty acids, and curcumin)
Choosing more Heart Healthy Foods and Meals (with plenty of fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, potassium, and lower sodium)
These options don’t have to follow a specific program, but can serve as excellent foundations in everything from what you buy at the grocery store to your meal choice at a restaurant.
WHY are you choosing a healthier diet this year?
For meaningful change with long-lasting results, think about why you are choosing the diet you are.
Is it to gain more love and acceptance?
Or…is it to feel better and live your best life – regardless of your looks?
These can be tough questions, but facing them can lead to a better understanding and possible shift in perspective, if needed, for long-term success.
Keeping your overall health top of mind and then enjoying such positive side effects as weight loss, healthy skin, and stronger nails and hair along the way can be an enjoyable way to go about diet selection.
For help in determining what type of diet may be best for you and for additional support in achieving your health goals, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves.
The CNMA office provides naturopathic health support for those in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area. We also offer virtual appointments for those outside of these areas.
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