Happy New Year from the family at Three Rivers!
The offices will be closed Monday January 20 to observe MLK Day.
The New Year is a common time for renewed commitment to health and weight loss.
It is recommended we engage in moderate physical activity for at least 150 min per week. Even 10 minute periods of exercise such as taking the stairs or walking add up and have been shown to be beneficial. So take the stairs, park your car a little further away, join a local gym, take a dance class, go walking with a friend, or snowshoe on a local wilderness trail.
Healthy eating is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Eat a minimum of 5 fruits and vegetables daily by having a garden salad before your meal. Keep cleaned and cut raw vegetables ready for snacking in your fridge, grab them when you get a snack attack and crunch on them along with your lunch instead of chips. They also make a great snack when paired with a protein such as hummus, cheese, nuts, or almond butter (try walnuts if you are trying to lower your cholesterol). Avoid beverages sweetened with sugar, which only add empty calories to your diet. Flavor your water with lemon or orange slices, or add fresh mint, cucumber and lime juice for a refreshing alternative to soda. Prefer something warm? Green tea can help boost your metabolism and fill your stomach if you drink it prior to your meals (talk to your provider first if you take warfarin). Also try to choose whole grains whenever possible. Switch your Minute Rice for brown rice or even try quinoa, trade your white bread for 100% whole wheat (make sure you read your bread label-not all wheat bread is created equal), or try a low carb wrap instead of bread (I like Joseph's brand).
You'll be amazed how much better you feel when you move more and clean up your diet, even if you don't need to lose weight. Your providers look forward to answering your questions and helping to guide you to better health!
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