Nutrition is Key for Weight Loss and Weight Management

One of the things we love about chiropractic care is that it involves looking at each person holistically, treating not only symptoms, but also getting at the root causes. Many people who struggle with back pain and similar issues will begin to feel relief if they lose excess weight that is putting strain on their frame. At our chiropractic office, we teach you about weight management, and one of the keys is to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

Top 5 Nutrition Tips from Your Chiropractor

1. Eat three meals each day, plus a small, protein and fiber-rich snack between each meal so you never go more than 3 waking hours without eating. This will help your metabolism to be as stable as possible and keep you from overeating at meals due to excessive hunger.

2. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which helps you feel full without eating more than your body needs. In general, the more colorful the fruits and vegetables are, the more nutrition you are getting. Try to eat several different kinds each day to get a wide range of flavors and nutrients.

3. Choose carbs that are heartier, with more whole grains, which helps stabilize your blood sugar. This helps your metabolism break down and use the energy rather than storing it for later.

4. Reduce your use of condiments, which add lots of calories to meals that would otherwise be very healthy. For example, instead of using salad dressing, drizzle some vinegar over the salad and perhaps add a touch of olive oil. When you're eating vegetables, try a healthy dipping option like hummus.

5. Allow yourself sweets in moderation. It can be difficult to completely cut things out of your diet, so don't go to the extreme. Instead, limit your portion sizes and exercise self-control. Ideally, your weight loss diet should be one you can sustain in the future for weight management, so don't go to the extreme.

What else have you learned about nutrition through your chiropractor?