Do they work? More than likely, yes. Do they last? That depends. Are they restricting? For the most part. Are they long-term? Not really, if you're feeling restricted.
That dreaded word...DIET. (Ugh???) Let's face it. Most of us don't like hearing that word, especially when it comes from our doctors.
The truth is that a proper diet, shouldn't feel so restrictive. Will you be restricted? Yes. To a degree. I've always been of the mind that you shouldn't take things out of your diet. However, always follow your doctor's advice. I am not a doctor. I am a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. As such, I can help you, with your doctor's guidance, in achieving your goals.
For starters, pick your eating style.
There are hundreds of diets out there and the list is constantly evolving and growing. So, the options are there! It's just a matter of picking out what works for you. We all have very unique bodies. We don't have cookie-cutter bodies and our diets don't need to be either. Most fad diets lose you at around 6 months because it's not something you can live with. This is why it's important to find something for you and your lifestyle.
Supplements
Our food, generally, isn't full of all the vitamins it used to be. There's nothing like growing your own food, like our grandparents or great-grandparents used to. This is where our supplements come in. Also, with the struggle of day-to-day living, we probably don't make the best food choices on a daily basis.
Vitamin D is one of the first vitamins my doctor spoke to me about. I remember hearing from so many people that they were low on vitamin D. I happened to mention to my doctor that I'd heard of so many with the same issue. He explained to me, that our exposure to the sun is so limited. With it being winter, at that time, our bodies are mostly covered most of the time. He said, "Think about it. We're all covered up because of the cold. So, basically, our faces and hands (if even that much is showing) have to absorb, with our limited time outdoors, enough vitamin D for our whole body." (Aha!) And then, he proceeded, "In the summer months, we throw on sunscreen so our sun exposure is very little." Granted, sunscreen is necessary and so is bundling up in the cold. Enter, our supplements! I like to use this particular one, which is a 2-in-1 of vitamins D3 and K2. Vitamin K2 helps the body absorb your D3. And it's plant-based with coconut oil, another goodie for your body.
Let's not forget to boost the immune system
Another supplement that I like to keep on hand and take is Elderberry Gummies plus Vitamin C. It is also a plant-based supplement that contains vitamins C, zinc, and elderberry to give your immune system that extra boost to fight off illnesses. These days, keeping our immune system up is vital.
And then there's exercise
Again, as in your diet, pick something you can stick with. Not everyone feels horrible when they don't exercise. Some people love it. Some people don't. If all you can do is walk, then do it. Give yourself extra reasons to get those steps in. Park at the opposite end of the lot. Not only will you get some steps in, but your car won't get dinged all the time either (I hate when that happens!). Win-win?
Some will tell you to take the stairs when you can. And, that's great advice! If you're like me, however, steps and my knees don't get along. All those dancing years have done their number on my knees so this isn't much of an option for me. BUT, if it works for you, then go for it! At the end of everything, it's whatever works for you.
I happen to love yoga and Tai Chi, which happen to be great exercises that work on your strength building. It may look easy, but it's not. These are my yoga goodies: My yoga blocks, yoga blanket, and meditation cushion. I've had my yoga mat for years! Meditation can help you wind down at the end of the day, be a buffer in the middle of your day, or whenever you feel it's necessary. It can be done in as little as 5 minutes or longer than an hour if you like.
At the end of everything, if you pick out diets, supplements, and exercises that work for the "unique" you, it will be easier to stick with them. This is what will make the difference for you. And, as mentioned before, please discuss what you want to do with your doctor before making any significant changes. Your doctor is the one who can best guide you here.
Links on this page:
Vitamins D3 and K2: https://amzn.to/3s68fi5
Yoga blocks: https://amzn.to/3MQGodH
Yoga blanket: https://amzn.to/3773MEi
Meditation cushion: https://amzn.to/39z4j2P
Yoga mat: https://amzn.to/3KEbKlY
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