10 yanktonmedicalclinic.com Learn how to eat well Nutrition is the most important component of weight management. We should try to eat food in its most natural form and minimize processed foods. For fruits and vegetables, frozen can be a good alternative to fresh food if you are concerned about food not lasting. Just be sure to read labels and avoid foods with added sugars or other processed ingredients. Year after year, the Mediterraneanstyle diet has been shown to be beneficial for many health conditions. During your office visit, we may discuss a nutritionist. I often focus on a few key things: protein, fiber, added sugars and water. Make sure to move With all the advances in technology, many of us work in sedentary jobs rather than doing physical labor. Because of this, getting additional exercise is important. In general, it is recommended to get 150 minutes of moderateintensity exercise weekly. Aerobic activity is important, but strength training is also key. It helps maintain bone density, which is especially important for women. It also can help increase muscle mass, which boosts metabolism. The goal is not to build huge muscles, but to improve strength, balance and flexibility so we can function well even in our older years. By Carrissa Pietz, MD One of the most common concerns I hear in the clinic on a daily basis is “No matter what I do, I cannot seem to lose weight.” Managing weight is a struggle for many and is even harder in a society filled with processed foods, sedentary lifestyles and quick fixes that are not longterm solutions. It is important to understand that whatever approach a person takes to weight management, it needs to be a lifestyle change that can be maintained over the long term to be successful. There are many components to living a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy and exercising are important, but it is also essential to get adequate sleep and minimize stress. Many of us are constantly pulled in many directions, but we need to remember to take care of ourselves as well. The trend for the quick fix Managing your weight: A physician just for you If you need a primary care provider, check our physician finder at www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com/find-a-provider.
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