Dr. Jeff is a mobile chiropractor, the owner of ICome2U mobile chiropractic. He will literally show up at your door, ready to help you heal! He is an expert on moving your body, as well as one of the most important aspects of moving your body—nutrition! Dr. Jeff answers a few questions below to dish on food and nutrition advice:
What is the first step to take when considering changes to diet or nutrition?
“Personally, I believe with anything in life, one has to want to make the change. You cannot force someone into a diet or lifestyle change. In my opinion, that is not sustainable for long-term success. Once an individual has the drive and motivation to make changes to their diet, it involves changing habits that allow for sustainable changes. For example, if you run late every morning and have to stop at a drive-thru and grab a coffee and donut or egg sandwich, consider waking up a few minutes earlier and brewing a pot of coffee and making toast or eating yogurt at home.”
What are some common misconceptions that people have about nutrition?
"Some common misconceptions include: ‘eating fat causes you to gain fat,’ ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day,’ ‘supplements are a waste of money’ or ‘cardio exercise is the best way to lose weight.’
If someone wants to lose weight when it comes to nutrition, what are some key steps they should take to get started?
I think it all starts with a realistic and attainable goal. You won't lose 20 lbs in a week. Being honest with yourself and making realistic goals is a key step. Next is developing the healthy habits that will allow you to hit those weight loss goals—tracking calories and macromolecules (protein, fats, crabs), eating out less or making healthy choices when we do eat out, exercise, adequate sleep and stress management."
What about diets? Keto? Paleo? No carb? No fat? Low fat? In your opinion, what is a fad, and what can actually help?
"I won't dive into specific diets, but a fad diet is something that is short-term leading to quick weight loss but not sustainable. Once you go off said diet, the weight comes back (sometimes even more than what you originally lost). Everyone is different and their diet should reflect that—for example, it is difficult for a vegetarian to go on the ketogenic diet. Carbs have gotten a bad rap lately. While keto and other low carb diets have seen weight loss and quick shedding of pounds, in my opinion, carbohydrates are still necessary for everyday function including energy, glycogen production and indirectly synthesizing hormones. Again, setting realistic and sustainable goals with the foods you eat will lead to long-term success."
What final thoughts do you have regarding overall health and wellness, and how nutrition plays into the balance?
"I truly believe nutrition is an important part to overall health and wellness, however, it is only a part. If we are able to include a variety of parts and factors—diet/nutrition, physical exercise, adequate sleep, mental health and wellbeing, sense of community and spirituality—we can ultimately aim to live a happier and healthier lifestyle."
Overall, Dr. Jeff can recommend "everything in moderation ... and by keeping those things in moderation, I believe it makes those 'treats' that much more enjoyable." Book an appointment at Dr. Jeff's practice "ICome2U mobile chiropractic" for incredible treatment and additional health advice! Book online at www.icome2uchiropractic.com.