For the working adult,
it only takes a single trip to the family practice doctor to find out you have
a problem with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated
triglycerides, diabetes, or another manageable health condition. You know it is
time to eat better.
It is important to eat better.
You need to follow the exact diet specifications that your doctor recommends
for making meals healthier. You also need to keep up with the prescription for
regular exercise. Just as
important, follow the specifications for prescribed medications and maintaining
follow up appointments.
What are some general things
that people can do to make a diet better? Let us say you have just been
diagnosed with high blood pressure. General advice is to eat less sodium in
your diet. Salt is everywhere! You must limit intake of canned foods and most
frozen foods because they contain lots of sodium for prolonging their shelf
life. Stop eating French fries and popcorn when you go out. Stop adding salt to
food during cooking or eating or both.
Plan weekly menus to avoid
foods with added salt. A good example is your trip to the deli. You can buy
fresh versions of many meats and cheeses with low sodium content. These will be
products without salts or other preservatives. These foods, such as, fresh vegetables, are generally meant
to be consumed in a few days.
Although your doctor requires
you to change your diet, think of these diet changes in a positive way. These
changes are better for you, and you probably should have done them a long time
ago!
