Now’s a Good Time to Improve Your Diet
At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we hope all of our Nature Coast patients are doing well. We all look forward to emerging from the pandemic sooner rather than later, and doing everything possible to stay healthy will continue to be a priority as we re-enter our “normal” lives. One step people can take now is improving their eating habits. Being able to run out to the grocery store to satisfy every craving or mindlessly eating an entire bag of chips knowing you can easily just get another, have not been options during this time. It can be a jumping-off point to making new choices and changing any unhealthy eating habits that you and your family have.
A good diet benefits your feet—and the rest of your body. Making sure you get a full dose of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential for immune function, joint health, and other body systems. Eating healthfully also helps you maintain an appropriate weight. Being overweight increases your risk for plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and several other podiatric conditions.
Below are some tips for making or continuing some positive dietary changes:
Practice portion control. Back to that bag of chips or any snack foods you are eating. Read the nutrition information on packages. Put the recommended serving into a bowl and put the rest of the package back in the cabinet. Not only will you eat less, but you’ll also have a clear idea of how the snack fits into your daily calorie count.
Prepare more meals at home. While this has been a necessity during the coronavirus, it’s not a bad habit to continue. Cooking more meals at home gives you greater control over the ingredients you use and the option of choosing cooking methods that are lower in fat and calories. As an added bonus—it’s easy on the budget as well.
Plan your plates. You may have noticed that whether you’re ordering groceries online or doing targeted strikes at the grocery store, it helps to have a list, and this means planning what you’re going to eat for the week. Keep in mind that at mealtimes, half your plate should be filled with vegetables and fruits, one quarter with lean protein, and one quarter with whole grains and/or healthy carbs. Be adventurous and try vegetables that you haven’t eaten in the past. You can find recipes online for anyone you choose.
Make healthy eating a family affair. Involving children will make them more likely to eat what they’ve picked or helped cook. You’ll also be helping them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
If you are experiencing any foot or ankle problems, don’t hesitate to contact our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) and Hudson (727-868-2128) offices so that our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, can evaluate your condition.