Did you see Dr. Oz?

Last week, I tuned in to the Dr. Oz Show to see his interview with special guests Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Deepak Chopra. Their comments on the show echoed my own sentiments about nutrition and wellness, and, most specifically, each individual’s pivotal role in his/her own wellbeing.

Dr. Weil, considered the granddaddy of integrative medicine, and trail-blazer Dr. Chopra are rewriting the story of health and wellness in America. Their focus on prevention – rather than reaction – is, surprisingly, a huge shift from the status quo.

The show centered on type II diabetes and its role in cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in America. They talked about how food in this country is sourced – where it comes from, the soil in which it grows, the preservatives used to increase shelf life, etc. The doctors provided simple, straightforward strategies to address common health issues. These tips, if heeded, would reverse the staggering rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular illness in America. It’s hard to fathom that these diseases are killing people – LOTS of people – and yet they’re completely preventable!

Here’s the irony – and a major factor that keeps obesity alive and well in this country. During every commercial break, my living room was flooded with ads for the worst of the worst foods. Junk food that’s highly processed, high in sugar and high in sodium. And despite claims of “healthy,” whole grains and low-fat, these foods offer almost nothing in the way of nutrition.

Dr. Weil, Dr. Chopra and other proponents of truly nutritious (v. pseudo-nutritious) food are going to have to keep screaming to be heard above the din of junk-food advertising. In my practice, this fact is abundantly clear. I work with patients on the full gamut of health and wellbeing – stress levels, environmental factors, day-to-day nutrition, etc. – and my patients have the most difficulty making changes to their eating habits.

Like most people, they’re under the dangerous misperception that “healthy” means low-fat/no-fat. Unfortunately, low-fat/no-fat is often synonymous with high-carb/high-sugar. Sugary and high-carb, processed foods spike their blood sugar; instead of feeling sated, they feel hungry again very soon after. Even Drs. Oz, Weil and Chopra seemed to be stuck on the low-fat model, but with an emphasis on plant-based foods. More on the low-fat perception/misperception in an upcoming post.

In the meantime, as we begin to alter the mindset of healthy eating in America, here are a few actionable tips:

1. Take a look at NourishingOurChildren.org. In approximately 70% of families with children, both parents work. Those junky processed foods are hugely convenient (and incredibly tempting!) for moms and dads juggling careers, homework, diapers and dance recitals. Nourishing Our Children offers practical tips that won’t overburden you, but will allow you to provide meals for your family that are really and truly nutritious.

2. Stick to the 80/20 rule. Make sure 80 percent of your nutrition choices are sound; if the other 20 percent aren’t perfect, don’t beat yourself up about it. This is real life – we’re busy, we’re stressed, we’re juggling more than ever before – the 80/20 mindset is practical and effective.

3. The old Chinese mantra goes something like this: “Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to dig a well.” In other words, we need to make good choices now to maintain good health and prevent illness. It’s not all about painkillers and antibiotics – health is created with proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, exercise, and an infrastructure of information. Continue learning, continue seeking, and take charge of your own wellbeing.

Until next time, be well.

Yours,
- Robert Koagedal