All of us would like to move towards better health and wellness in our lives and often that involves taking a closer look at our current diet, nutritional choices and ongoing habits. To make lasting changes for ourselves, let’s start with using our Food as Medicine. 

Many people search for the “perfect diet”, but vibrant health is really more about lifestyle choices and foundational nutritional concepts. Each of us have different challenges and health goals, but we find that many of these basic principles can apply to all of us!

Read on to learn about Healthy Steps to a More Vibrant Life from Old Pueblo Acupuncture. We love to hear from you and hope to see you soon! – Matt, Sena, Shoshana & Niki 

LET’S EXPLORE WAYS TO ENJOY BETTER HEALTH!

Eat Organic! Herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics, agricultural chemicals, growth hormones, GMO’s, colorings, dyes, synthetic agents, stabilizers and fillers are all added to our food chain. Try to eliminate toxins in your food as much as possible. Shop locally for the freshest options!

Eat Lots of Vegetables! Low in calories and packed with nutrient density and fiber, vegetables are always a perfect choice for vibrant health! Be sure to always prepare them in a healthy manner!

Watch Out for High Glycemic Fruits! Whole fruit in it’s original form is lower in fructose than dried fruit, jams, fruit bars and commercial fruit juices. Berries, apples, pears and grapefruit are some of the lowest in natural sugars.

Buy Clean Protein! Pasture-raised, free-range, organic protein sources have higher omega 3’s and increased nutritional value than meats from concentrated agricultural feed operations. (CAFO’s). Plus there are no antibiotics and growth hormones, and it’s easier on the planet’s resources.

Choose Healthy Fats! The body needs healthy fats for the brain, hormones, nervous system function and more! Enjoy olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, organic dairy (if not allergic) nuts, seeds, avocados and olives. Eliminate refined seed oils, margarine and other trans-fats which are inflammatory.

Say NO to Sugar & Refined Carbohydrates! These are the stepping stones to chronic illness, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and dementia. Eliminate as much sugar and refined carbohydrates as possible on a daily basis. Eliminate boxed and packaged foods that contain excess sugars. 

Don’t Eat Anything You Can’t Pronounce! More than 2,500 chemical substances are intentionally added to foods to modify flavor, color, stability, texture or cost. An estimated 12,000 substances are used in food-packaging materials, processing aids, pesticide residues and drugs given to animals. 

Add in Fermented Foods! Beneficial healthy bacteria in the gut is the foundation of good health. Fermented foods are loaded in key enzymes, plenty of fiber and help to increase bioavailability of nutrients & minerals. Research shows that they improve digestion, immune function and brain health.

Make Your Own Bone Broth! Enhances healthy digestion, inhibits infection, reduces joint pain & inflammation, heals inflamed intestines and promotes strong healthy bones, skin and hair. Truly a beneficial elixir!

Identify Your Food Allergens! Many people have undiagnosed food allergies which can affect digestion, seasonal allergies, asthma, skin issues, energy levels, headaches, immune function and more.

Drink More Water! We hear this so often and still we forget! Water detoxifies our bodies, helps nutrients enter into our cells and enhances cellular metabolism. Be sure to filter your water from chemicals and heavy metals.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, Keep MOVING! A healthy dose of exercise and activities that you enjoy are part of your health & wellness plan. Do what you love and the rest will follow!