Whole Story

The Official Whole Foods Market® Blog

Healthy Changes for Healthy Weight

By Chris Jensen, January 11, 2011  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Chris Jensen
Need help developing healthier habits? Good health—and healthy weight—are about smart decision-making. Listen in and learn about success tools for creating health through optimal nutrition in this encore presentation of our podcast interview with Dr. Joel Fuhrman, board-certified family physician, author, and co-founder and chief medical officer of Eat Right America. Let us know what steps you are taking toward healthy changes this year for a chance to win an Eat Right America bundle featuring some of their best-selling books, DVDs and assorted other special gifts: a $97 value! Simply enter a comment below by January 31st and one lucky reader will be selected at random.

The motivating reasons Dr. Fuhrman’s patients make healthy weight a priority: •Learning about the successes of others losing weight and reversing chronic disease, when all other diet methods have previously failed, triggers the desire to recommit to health. •Discovering the science, logic and theory behind high-nutrient eating to remove addictive overeating provides the drive to get started. The two biggest obstacles that stand in the way of motivation and determination to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight: •Misinformation about food and nutrition indoctrinated at an early age. •Allowing feelings and emotions to govern decision-making and food addictions to control behavior. The top habits to adopt when trying to maintain a healthy weight: •Focus on long-term health and not on immediate weight loss. •Eat enough food volume with high-nutrient foods to remove the desire to overeat. •Educate with the right information from the start. Everyone can take steps toward being healthier with this knowledge: •Our health is our greatest wealth. •We can’t escape the biological laws of cause and effect. We must recognize that we can’t buy good health; we have to earn it with healthy eating and physical fitness. •Good nutrition is not optional; it’s essential. Putting nutritional science into action allows us to take control of our health destiny.

 

250 Comments

Comments

RACHEL D. says ...
On Sep 2008, I landed up in ER due to high blood pressure, after that day I went cold turkey on alot of my bad eating habits. I gave up, fast food, soda's, breads, tortillas, all that I knew shouldn't be eating. I eat alot of chicken, veggies, blueberries, apples, salads, water & herbal teas... since then I've lost over 20 lbs... I want to be around for my grandson who just turned 1 in Dec 2010...
01/13/2011 9:30:19 AM CST
Kevin says ...
I lost 112 pounds last year, and all I did was stop eating fast food and aim for foods with fiber. Fruits and veggies are the way to go. I constantly try new recipes and love to cook for myself. Eating at home goes a long way to staying healthy!
01/13/2011 9:37:03 AM CST
TinaW says ...
I'm starting an exercise program next week along and am cutting out sugar and alcohol for the next 30 days.
01/13/2011 9:37:51 AM CST
Lori says ...
I love all the recipes that you include to help me find ways to incorporate such healthy ingrediants in meal planning.
01/13/2011 9:38:44 AM CST
Tera says ...
I have "aquired" some health problems since 2010 and I am starting to modify my diet to include more vegetarian dishes and less sugar.
01/13/2011 9:54:20 AM CST
Christy P says ...
We are trying for organics for the "dirty dozen". We love Whole Foods. What an amazing place.
01/13/2011 10:13:14 AM CST
Shumyla Jan says ...
Being overweight hasn't been at all pleasant. I've had weight gains and dips over the years, but it's been only recently that I've implemented whole, unprocessed foods into my diet and cut out all the unnecessary junk. My energy levels are soaring and going to the gym is something I've begun looking forward to. Implementing these good habits has helped me implement another very important one — getting adequate sleep. I used to be a late-night snacker, but no more. I'm asleep at a decent hour, so I'm naturally eating less. I'm very thankful to have a Whole Foods in my neighborhood where I can stock up on healthy produce, lean meats, and whole grains.
01/13/2011 10:16:16 AM CST
Drea says ...
Staying away from processed foods in 2011 & eating more nutritional products esp. from WHOLE FOODS:)
01/13/2011 10:20:09 AM CST
Gina Bryant says ...
No more "dieting". I made a committment to a lifestyle change that involves healthier eating habits and exercise. I have maintained my ideal body weight for 5 years. Shopping at Whole Foods and the 365 products are a big part of my success. Thank you Whole Foods!
01/13/2011 10:31:32 AM CST
Kristi Kvenild says ...
Can't wait to begin a healthy new year with Whole Foods. :)
01/13/2011 10:32:24 AM CST
Kristen says ...
I'm trying to add fruits and veggies to my meals, and limit sweets.
01/13/2011 10:44:19 AM CST
Heidi Parkes says ...
I replaced butter with organic extra virgin coconut oil. It is spreadable and has a great flavor, my Triglycerides have improved tremendously since I switched over a year ago too. I am also trying to eat 'real' food as much as possible; by switching to honey and agave nectar, and cooking more things myself.
01/13/2011 10:52:50 AM CST
Shannon says ...
Once vegan, turned vegetarian a year ago for training purposes, I'd like to drop the dairy once again and get back to my healthful vegan ways. During the holidays, I splurged way too much on dairy products and now I'm paying the price with a nasty head cold (I haven't been sick since going vegan 4 years ago)and congestion. It's once again time to let go of the processed crap and step back into nature.
01/13/2011 10:56:06 AM CST
Gina says ...
I am focusing on eating less meat, and more vegetables.
01/13/2011 10:56:38 AM CST
Diane says ...
I am on day 5 of a 28-day cleanse (28 Days to Health program). No gluten, sugar, dairy, alcohol or caffeine. I am focused on eating healthy, organic, whole foods and I feel great and am losing weight!
01/13/2011 11:17:16 AM CST
Rosalyn says ...
Not only am I going vegan this year I am trying to stop the "midnight snack attack".
01/13/2011 11:20:27 AM CST
Kathy says ...
We are trying to eat more fruits and veggies. It's hard to get my boys to comply!
01/13/2011 11:23:03 AM CST
Traci says ...
Our family steps that we are taking toward healthy changes this year include cutting out white flour and white sugar, incorporating more non-wheat grains in baking, more brown rice (phasing out white) and potatoes (all colors). Now we need to work on incorporating beans/legumes.
01/13/2011 11:32:32 AM CST
Sam says ...
Getting rid of all processed foods/drinks and eating a more natural diet.
01/13/2011 11:42:53 AM CST
Este says ...
I have decided to take the green smoothie challenge as well as only eating organic vegetables and fruit and having some type of greens 3 times per day. I also am cooking more meals at home
01/13/2011 12:22:18 PM CST
shirley larmonie says ...
I have been trying to improve my health and at the same time lower my weight. I have lost 20lbs very slowly and would still like to loss 10-15 more, just wish I could get it off a little more quickly. My ultimate goal would be for the whole family to enjoy and eat healthy food and snacks for the rest of our lives!
01/13/2011 12:26:01 PM CST
Lynn Shearon says ...
I have put 4 raised beds in my small back yard and plan to grow more vegetables next summer. In the meantime, I buy organic as much as possible. Whole foods provides many things conducive to a healthier lifestyle in additon to food.
01/13/2011 12:55:05 PM CST
Giovanna says ...
I am a fitness instructor wanting to share the good news of health with my family and friends!! Thank you Wholefoods for the opportunity! Peace out!
01/13/2011 1:43:48 PM CST
Sandy says ...
I am cooking most of the meals at home,adding more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into my diet. Getting rid of all the processedjunk this year. I love Whole Foods!!
01/13/2011 2:02:16 PM CST
Linda says ...
This month marks the one-year anniversary of my going vegetarian, and I love it. I now think before I put food in my body and go mostly for whole foods that are non-GMO and not overly-processed (although I do eat an occasional veggie burger/dog). I am also preparing more of my meals at home and eating out less. My cholesterol, which wasn't really very bad before has dropped 28 points and I feel good knowing that my eating habits are not only helping me but helping animals and the environment. This year, I would like to start exercising more, especially since I have a very sedentary job.
01/13/2011 2:06:36 PM CST

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