Everyone knows that a proper diet can help you lose weight and improve your overall mood. What you may not know, however, is that your diet can have a direct impact on your joints as well. With over 300 joints in the human body, dealing with any type of joint issue can make your life difficult. With our Weight Loss Programs on Long Island at Food and Fitness Pro, our nutritionists can share their diet wisdom so you can take the first steps in leading a healthier lifestyle.
Managing Your Weight With Weight Loss Programs on Long Island
If you have been eating unhealthy for some time now, chances are your weight will fall outside of the healthy range for your height and sex. Being overweight can lead to a myriad of health complications such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Another complication that may not be top of mind to many people is damage to your joints. When you are overweight, you put a lot of added pressure on your joints when trying to move around. Over time, this excess wear and tear can cause increased amounts of pain. By working with FoodandFitnessPro, you can learn proper eating habits to reduce your weight while also increasing your quality of life.
Mediterranean Diet
If you have researched potential diets to increase your overall health, you may have come across the Mediterranean Diet. But what does this diet comprise of, and how can it help with your joint pain? Our Weight Loss Programs on Long Island can offer explanations to both of these questions:
- Fish: Health authorities like the American Heart Association recommend consuming three to four ounces of fish twice a week. Fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help fight inflammation, which makes fish the perfect food to increase your joint health.
- Nuts and Seeds: This diet also calls for consuming 1.5 ounces of nuts daily. Like with fish, nuts are rich with inflammation-fighting monounsaturated fats. Though they can be high on calories, protein, fiber, and monounsaturated fats found in nuts like walnuts, pistachios, and almonds can help to promote weight loss. Shedding extra pounds will take some pressure off your joints, which will decrease the daily pain you may be experiencing.
- Fruits & Veggies: A staple in any diet, aim to consume 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. These types of food are filled with antioxidants, which are crucial to the body’s natural defense system. Antioxidants can help neutralize molecules in the body that attack healthy cells. Working to manage inflammation, colorful fruits and vegetables such as cherries and broccoli should be made a priority in your diet.
- Olive Oil: Consuming 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil will increase your intake of heart-healthy fats and oleocanthal, which have similar properties to anti-inflammatory drugs. Ingesting a natural substitute to medicine can be beneficial in avoiding any harmful side-effects drugs can sometimes cause.
- Beans: With about 15 grams of proteins in a one-cup serving, beans are an excellent promoter of muscle growth. Strong muscles can help to stabilize weakened joints, making moving around pain-free and easier. Try consuming one cup of beans at least twice a week for optimal results.
- Whole Grains: You should take in at least 6 ounces of grains per day, with three of these ounces coming from whole grains. Foods like oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are rich in fiber which is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Less body weight means less stress on the joints.
Weight Loss Programs on Long Island – FoodandFitnessPro
At FoodandFitnessPro, we understand the importance that proper nutrition has to your overall health. Though you may not be particularly well-versed in this area, our Weight Loss Programs on Long Island can help create a safe and healthy diet that you will be able to stick to. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of a proper diet and how they can increase joint health, contact us today!
