A good way to maintain your health is to eat nutritiously. In fact, even a few simple changes in your diet can have a positive impact on your health—and may prevent a variety of chronic health problems in the future. As part of their extensive education, chiropractors are trained in nutrition and wellness promotion, and they can offer you dietary counseling as well as lifestyle tips to get you moving in the right direction. Start today to make better choices that will fuel and strengthen your body. Here are some simple suggestions:

Lifestyle Changes
Eat out more sparingly. Food preparation methods in restaurants often involve high amounts of fats, sugar and salt. Brown-bag your lunch to control your fat, salt and sugar intake while adding nutritious fruits, vegetables and grains.

Limit alcohol and quit smoking. Drinking alcohol excessively and/or smoking act to hinder your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from your food.

Dietary Changes
Eat more raw foods. Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables always have more natural vitamins and minerals. Select organically grown foods when possible because they contain lower amounts of toxic elements, such as pesticides and heavy metals.

Consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day. Whole-grain breads and cereals, beans, nuts and some fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber.

Be sure to hydrate your body through adequate fluid intake, with water and other beverages that do not contain added sugars or chemicals.

Limit your sugar intake. Eating/drinking added sugar (e.g., sodas, fruit drinks, desserts, candy, ready-to-eat cereals, etc.) leads to weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.