The Importance of Nutrition
In the United States, medical school students receive little to no formal training in nutrition (estimated less than 1% of lecture time). This baffles me, especially in this day and age when there is more and more research coming out that links poor diet and nutrition with many health problems that Americans face. It is unfortunate that often doctors are prescribing drugs as the go-to answer for health and disease, instead of looking at lifestyle and nutrition first to see where there are imbalances and where improvements can be made. Instead, people are being pumped full of chemicals and left to deal with side effects, without addressing the more important aspects of a healthy body (diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, etc.).
Pharmaceuticals when taken over a long period of time have side effects on the body that are extremely harmful. People should not be relying on drugs for long-term problems. Through proper diet and exercise, many of the symptoms of obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, IBS, Lyme Disease, etc. can be reduced and in some cases eliminated all together.
I am not saying that there isn’t a time and place for pharmaceutical drugs. They have helped me a number of times over the course of my life, but I believe that we need to use these as a last resort after looking at more natural ways to heal and boost the body’s immune system and whatever ailments it has.
What I believe is contributing to this problem in a big way is the lack of education and resources for people around proper nutrition. How many of us grew up thinking that the majority of our diet should be grains and protein? My hand is definitely up on that one. The reality is that the food pyramid got it all wrong. We need waaaaaay more fresh fruits and vegetables than we were told. We need REAL food, not processed junk. Whole grains instead of bleached flour. I’m not a nutritionist or registered dietician, but nutrition is a topic that I have spent lots of time learning about. I think it is important to acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege of a good education, access to the internet, money to spend on organic produce and grains, time to cook at home, etc. I am privileged to have these things, and it makes a difference in how I live my life.
Here’s the kicker (and I really want you to pay attention to these next words): people of color are far less likely to have access to proper healthcare, exercise opportunities, and the ability to maintain a healthy diet than white people. I’m frustrated that so many people of color do not have access to what they need to thrive. How can we do better? How can doctors do better? How can our healthcare system provide more help and resources for the people who need it most?
The majority of the people I work with identify as white. In an effort to offer some support and build relationships in BIPOC communities, I am offering FREE nutritional advice as well as fitness training to BIPOC folks. It’s just a small thing, but I hope that it’s the beginning of something bigger.
For my end of Summer blowout deal, any new student can sign up for 10 private training sessions with me at a 40% discount. In addition I will be offering 3 spots to Black or Indigenous people that will include nutritional advice and strategies, as well as a personal training program tailored to fit their needs. I know a lot of people are struggling and may need support in a variety of ways. Please respect this decision I’ve made to specifically support POC in my community, as this is where I feel I want to put these resources at the moment. I’m not saying that other lives don’t matter, but I am saying that Black lives DO matter and this is what needs focus right now.
Tips for grocery shopping on a budget (from choosemyplate.gov):
Buy produce that is in season, as it will be less expensive. Don’t buy more than you can eat before it goes bad.
Buy frozen vegetables that you can pull out easily to add to a meal.
Look for whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, oatmeal, and buckwheat. Rice and pasta are budget friendly options that can add a lot to your meal.
Instead of meat for protein, try beans, peas, or lentils. They will cost you less but still give you the protein you need.
Buy a value-size pack of meat and freeze what you don’t use.
Canned seafood like tuna, salmon or sardines are low-cost and store easily.
Eggs!!! High in protein and low in cost.
Healthy snack ideas that I personally love:
Make your own popcorn. A bit of coconut oil, salt, and nutritional yeast as toppings are tasty and healthy.
Apple with peanut butter
Carrots and hummus
Hard boiled eggs
Other tips for optimal health:
Avoid sugary drinks! Choose water whenever you can.
If you need sweetener in your coffee or tea, try a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or molasses as a more natural sugar than the white processed cane sugar.
Make half of what you eat fruits and vegetables, half of your grains should be whole grains, vary your proteins between meat, beans & legumes, etc.
Small changes can make a big difference. Don’t change everything all at once or you’re unlikely to stick with it.
choosemyplate.gov is a good resource for folks looking for more info.