I am a Doctor and Tell All My Patients to Do These 5 Things for Their Healthiest Life — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

I am a Doctor and Tell All My Patients to Do These 5 Things for Their Healthiest Life

As a doctor, I am always looking for ways to help my patients live their healthiest lives. I have come up with five simple things that I tell all my patients to do in order to stay healthy and happy.

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet is essential for good health. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Avoid processed and sugary foods as much as possible.

2. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. This can include walking, running, swimming, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, try to establish a regular sleep schedule and avoid screens before bed.

4. Manage Stress

Stress can have a negative impact on your health. Make sure to take time for yourself each day and practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

5. Eat This Not That

Making healthy food choices is essential for good health. Choose foods that are high in nutrients and low in calories. Avoid processed and sugary foods as much as possible. Instead, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

We can be blessed with great genes, but if we don’t take care of ourselves then that will only get us so far. Maintaining good health is something we can oftentimes control by lifestyle choices like not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, keeping up on oral care, working out 150 minutes a week, a balanced diet and more. In addition, there’s other things we can do to help live healthier longer and  Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies reveals to Eat This, Not That! Health five things she tells her patients about health. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

Shutterstock

Dr. Mitchell says, “As a primary care doctor, one of my main goals is to help patients make choices that will lead to better health. This means empowering them to take control of their health and educating them about the best ways to care for themselves. I believe everyone has the right to good health, and I hope that by helping patients make informed choices, I can make a positive difference in their lives. To achieve this, I partner with patients to develop treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs. I also provide resources and support so that they can make lasting lifestyle changes. Finally, working together can create a foundation for better health and wellness.”

talk to doctor
Shutterstock

Dr. Mitchell emphasizes, “Screening tests can be essential for patients, providing early detection of potential health problems that could be serious. While some screening tests are more invasive, patients must participate in the ones their doctor recommends- even if they don’t like them. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and many conditions are much easier to treat when caught early. Additionally, some screening tests can help prevent health problems before they develop. For example, colon cancer screenings can help remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer. Overall, regular screening tests are essential to staying healthy, and patients should make sure to participate in them regularly.”

woman consulting with her female doctor
Shutterstock

“Patients need to ask questions about their health for a variety of reasons,” Dr. Mitchell states. “First, patients must be fully informed about their condition to make informed decisions about their care. Second, asking questions allows patients to better understand their situation and what they can do to manage it. Third, by asking questions, patients can build a rapport with their healthcare provider and develop a relationship of trust. Finally, questioning helps ensure patients receive the best possible care and meet their needs. Healthcare providers should encourage their patients to ask questions and should be prepared to answer them in a way that is respectful, patient, and helpful. When patients feel comfortable asking questions, they are more likely to be engaged in their care and achieve positive health outcomes.”

happy doctor with patient
Shutterstock

Dr. Mitchell urges, “Paying attention to the details may not seem like it would significantly impact someone’s life, but in reality, it can make all the difference. For example, let’s say you’re trying to improve your health. If you don’t track your progress and document your results, it will be challenging to know what’s working and what isn’t. The same is true for your medical history. If you don’t keep a detailed health record, it will be hard to spot patterns or potential problems. In both cases, paying attention to the details can help you live a healthier, happier life. Of course, paying attention to detail isn’t always easy. It takes time and effort to track progress and document results. However, the long-term benefits are well worth the effort. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your health and well-being, don’t forget to pay attention to the details. It might just be the key to a long and happy life.”

Shutterstock

“Many people are now aware of the importance of eating a varied diet to obtain all the nutrients they need for good health,” says Dr. Mitchell. “However, eating a rainbow of colors – that is, foods that are brightly colored – can have even more benefits. In particular, colored foods are often rich in antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage. Eating a diet that includes a wide variety of colored foods can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Moreover, colorful foods tend to be more nutrient-dense than their paler counterparts, so you’ll get more vitamins, minerals, and fiber by eating a rainbow. So next time you’re at the supermarket, pick up some brightly colored fruit and vegetables – your body will thank you!”

mature couple jogging outdoors
Shutterstock

Dr. Mitchell explains, “Patients need to stay active and document the time and type of activity because it helps them live healthier lives. Some people overestimate how physically active they are, but having a device that helps keep track of steps is helpful. Patients should do this to help improve their overall health. Being active has many benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mental health, and increasing lifespan. Even moderate amounts of activity can have these benefits, so patients need to find an activity they enjoy and make it a part of their daily routine. By tracking their activity level, patients can ensure that they get the recommended amount of physical activity and make changes if necessary. This will help us live healthier, happier lives.”

Dr. Mitchell says this “doesn’t constitute medical advice and by no means are these answers meant to be comprehensive. Rather, it’s to encourage discussions about health choices.”

Heather Newgen

Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather