Nutrition and Routine Modifications for Weight Loss Q&A

Nutritional, or dietary modifications, are changes that are made in the preparation and consumption of the food we eat, to increase our intake of micronutrients, and decrease micronutrient deficiencies. An example of a nutritional modification is increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods that contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which helps to increase the amount of iron absorbed by the body. Another example of a nutritional modification is reducing the consumption of coffee and tea, as they both inhibit the body’s absorption of iron.

Learning to make informed food choices, and developing and maintaining healthy eating, and physical habits can have dramatic effects on all aspects of life, and will dramatically reduce the risks of developing long-term health conditions. For example, excessive weight can lead to multiple adverse health conditions such as:

• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea
• Several forms of cancer

Small changes, or modifications, to our nutritional and physical routine can have huge results. Eating a healthier diet, along with adequate exercise, are key strategies to staying healthy and reducing weight, and it starts with setting achievable goals, and gradually working toward reaching your goals. By implementing modifications to your diet, you begin to change old habits that lead to weight gain in the first place. Some small steps to modify your routine include:

• Track calorie intake – find out online the appropriate calorie intake for someone your age, weight, gender and activity level.
• Enjoy what you eat, but eat less of it – be mindful and pay attention to what you’re eating. Eating quickly can lead to eating too many calories.
• Stick to recommended portion sizes – check with your doctor or find out online the recommended portion sizes for most foods.
• Try to eat more vegetables – fruits, grains, lean proteins, whole grains.
• Cut back on snacking unhealthy foods – steer clear of cookies and sugary snacks, and replace them with fruits, nuts or vegetables.
• Reduce sodium intake – avoid adding salt to foods, and check sodium content of processed foods.
• Drink more water – replace juices, soda or energy drinks with refreshing water.

Routine and nutritional modifications begin the process of instilling new habits. Old habits die hard, and facing obstacles along the way is to be expected, but adopting new and healthier habits of eating and by modifying your physical activity routine can protect you from serious health issues, help to manage weight, and provide more energy throughout the day, as well as lead to more sound and restful sleep.  When modifying eating and behavioral habits, there are 4 stages most people experience, which are:

• Contemplation
• Preparation
• Action
• Maintenance

The benefits of making healthy modifications to nutritional and physical routines affect overall health and mental wellbeing as well. If diabetes, or other weight related conditions run in your family for example, making these adjustments for yourself can help to keep your blood sugar in check, and reduce your risk of developing the condition yourself. In addition to having more energy, losing weight, and lowering the risk of future health problems, there is also an emotional benefit of feeling proud of yourself, and setting a good example for others.

The benefits of implementing nutrition and routine modifications are available to anyone who has a need, or desire to lose weight, and for anyone who wishes to feel overall healthier and have more energy, or if weight related health conditions run in their family. At Vive Ageless Weight Loss Centers, our team of highly experienced, and qualified medical professionals, and weight loss experts are committed to helping our clients reach their weight loss goals by creating customized, and patient specific weight loss programs, and providing the guidance and support they need to be successful. Call Vive Weight Loss Centers to arrange your consultation. We have convenient locations in Coral Gables FL, and Pinecrest FL. We serve clients from Coral Gables FL, Miami FL, Pinecrest FL, South Miami FL, Coconut Grove FL, Brickell FL, Kendall FL, Richmond Heights FL, and Westchester FL.