Life well lived: the resurgence of health and wholeness | Alexandria Times

[19659004] By Mara Benner

Have you heard of the military diet? This fashionable diet encourages the consumption of processed foods such as hot dogs and salty crackers. The only restriction is a daily intake of 1000 calories. 2018 who need to disappear. "

Diet fads and mixed messaging on confusing healthy nutrition .. Fortunately, new trends are seeing a return to the basics of food resources like My Plate from the United States Department of Agriculture (www. .choosemyplate.com My Plate helps encourage small healthy changes and a nutritious diet, while providing beneficial recipes.The website takes into consideration budget options and seasonal nutrition considerations.

Nutrition and Healthy Eating Know A resurgence is supporting the trend.The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has recently released information on fad diets encouraging their readers to be wary of all diets, pills and products claiming rapid weight loss, without food restriction, rigid menus and / or no need for exercise.The organization said: "The result is simple: if a diet or product seems too good to be true, it's probably. "

Although a quick diet may be helpful to get into your new swimsuit this summer, a growing number of Americans are diagnosed with chronic diseases related, in part, to a lack of good nutrition. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that about half of all Americans, or about 117 million people, suffered from one or more chronic conditions that can be partly attributed to bad health. nutritional choices. These conditions can include diseases such as stroke, type 2 diabetes and obesity, among others.

The National Institutes of Health estimate that 23.5 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases and are encouraged to revise their diet. After learning that someone is now living with a chronic illness, the first recommendation of the medical team is usually to review the person's diet and exercise routine. Improvements in both areas have demonstrated their contribution to the quality of life of the person.

The USDA's My Plate initiative recognizes that Americans are living more and more often with long-term illnesses primarily associated with poor nutrition. They encourage people to develop healthy eating habits, stressing that "everything we eat and drink matters". The My Plate initiative helps individuals bring healthy choices back to their homes and personal lives.

Like Alexandrians, we have a variety of options that allow us to make healthier choices. There are five farmer's markets within the city limits where seasonal fruits and vegetables can be purchased from farmers in the area

• Old Farmer's Market 301 King St., Saturday from 7am to 12h
• Four Mile Farmer's Run & Craftsmen's Market 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave., Sunday, 9 am-1pm
• Western Farmer's Market 4800, Ben Brenman Park, Sunday, 8:30 am to 1 pm
• Del Ray Farmer's Market corner of East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue on Saturday, 8 am at noon
• Old Town North Farmer's Market 901 North Royal Street, Thursdays, 4 pm. at 8 pm

More and more dinners in Alexandria are supporting farm-to-table restaurants, including Bon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market, Virtue Food and Grain, Del Ray Coffee and Vermilion. Even the national restaurants offer healthier options, like Sweetgreen and Cava.

Rather than catching a sweet soda during an afternoon break, more and more people
are heading to the juice bar. South Block Juice Bar, for example, has opened branches in Del Ray and Old Town and Grateful Kitchen Co. will open soon in the Old City North.

Healthier eating options are the new trend, but it's still a little confusing to determine is really a healthy option. If you want additional support or if you have a food intolerance, chronic illness or other nutritional problems, the best option is to seek the advice of a professional and qualified nutritionist. Your doctor or health care team can offer you recommendations.

Mara Benner is the founder of Four Directions Wellness, connecting body, mind, emotions and spirit. The organization is affiliated with the G.W. Center for Integrative Medicine. Benner is also a member of the Well Ray community of the Del Ray Business Association

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